Project Management

The success of any project depends on skillful Project Management. This is even more so in case of an IT project. Project Management encompasses not just technology but also requires an understanding of the business goals along with people management skills. Paragon Systems has significant experience in managing enterprise projects. Our approach is based on aligning technology to accomplish business goals. We realize the purpose of any IT project is not just to implement a technology but to enable the business units to accomplish their goals.

A typical system implementation consists of several phases along with associated sub-tasks. Paragon Systems has experience in deploying solutions on an enterprise wide basis. The project budget and available time has a significant impact on the effort that can be invested into any project phase. In cases where client requires specific implementation methods to be followed, Paragon Systems can work with the client in generating an Implementation Process. The complexity of the project sometimes requires a pilot implementation prior to an enterprise system implementation. A detailed discussion of an implementation process is beyond the scope of this document. However the section below provides a high level overview of each project phase.

Analysis Phase

This phase would cover establishing the project scope, defining project requirements, drafting a statement of work (SOW), establish project roles and timeline. The target audience for the application will be identified. For example: will the application be used primarily by end users or will it also be accessed by Management users to generate productivity reports? A review of environment will be conducted to identify the hardware and network infrastructure. Any integration requirements will also be identified during this phase. The Statement of Work will cover requirements, project deliverables, project timeline, roles and responsibilities, project assumptions etc.

Design & Development Phase

Development: A design document will be prepared which outlines the design specifications and design approach. The purpose of this document is to generate a framework within which the product development could occur. Once design is completed, development work will commence. The development team will re-use any applicable components that have been already built and tested by Paragon Systems. However solutions typically require some custom coding to meet business requirements. Design is usually accomplished in modular components to facilitate ease of code maintenance.

Code Review: Periodically during development process code review will be conducted. This is the process where other developers review the code of the development team to ensure that the code meets standard programming standards.

Testing

Depending on the complexity of the solution testing process can be very exhaustive. Typically testing is accomplished by developers, non-developer ( a programmer other than the the person(s) who actually built the solution), QA team. The QA team will review business requirements and generate test plans. The test plans will cover both unit testing and system testing. The solution developed will be tested for stated functionality. Once business requirements are addressed by the solution, the team will then conduct performance testing. The test results are documented. These results are then logged into an automated system that logs any solution issues that arise. The issues are reviewed by the Project Manager and appropriate follow-up actions assigned.

In addition, Paragon Systems strongly recommends that customer test extensively with their data in their environment prior to rolling out the product into production.

Code Modifications

The test results will determine the extent of revisions in the code. Developers will resolve any issues that were identified by the QA team. The solution is again tested and this process continues until the solution performs satisfactorily while addressing the business requirements.

Installation

Installation typically consists of three phases.

a) Test System Installation.
b) User Acceptance Testing
c) Production System Installation

Paragon Systems will work with the client in developing a system roll-out plan. This will cover hardware and software requirements, infrastructure needs, security permissions, system integration requirements etc.

a) Test System Installation.

Paragon Systems recommends deploying the solution first on a test system. Any system issues that are encountered as part of installation are documented. These are then reviewed with the client and appropriate solutions documented. This helps in addressing similar issues should they arise during a production system installation. Once hardware and software installation is complete, a prototype demonstration is conducted to provide an overview of the solution.

b) User Acceptance Testing

The client is encouraged to extensively test the system with test data. This testing usually encompasses system testing to ensure that the solution functions normally in the client environment. End user testing of the system is recommended to ensure that the solution addresses the business requirements. This helps in testing the solution in the client environment while also providing a means to establish operational procedures. Users are also encouraged to test the system to gain familiarity with the system.

System configuration changes and code modifications are performed to address any issues that arise as a result of testing performed in the client environment.

c) Production System Installation

Paragon Systems reviews the final implementation plan with the client. Production systems installation will be performed. System integration testing will be conducted. And the system will then be made available for production use. The system functionality will be observed and any configuration or application changes that are required are performed.

Training

Paragon Systems offers System Administration Training, End User Training, Train the Trainer program. Training is usually scheduled after the test system implementation.

Documentation

Standard system documentation along with Paragon Systems standard documentation for any custom coding components will also be provided.

Project Sign-off

A project acceptance meeting is conducted at the end of the System Implementation to review the project and obtain an Acceptance sign-off.