Turning client ideas into clear, actionable requirements is a critical initial step in the software development process. This phase, known as the Analysis Phase, sets the foundation for successful project execution. At First Factory, this phase starts in our very first conversation with clients where we use our experience and expertise to ask key, high-level questions that allow us to rapidly gain an in-depth understanding of the work at hand.
Estimation
Before a formal contract is in place, our team of skilled Engineering Managers and Product Professionals will meet with a client to gather enough information for an estimate. We work to balance efficiency and detail so that a client can be presented with a proposal within one week. The proposal not only outlines the agreed-upon scope of a project but also highlights resourcing needs, assumptions, risks, and items that are not in scope. Additionally, it will include a project timeline and a breakdown of tasks.
Once a client moves forward with First Factory as their software development team, the Engineering Manager and Project Manager continue on to the next steps in preparation for the actual development. This includes following our proprietary New Project Checklist, which covers everything from creating a centralized documentation repository to resource allocation and more. One of the largest items on this checklist is refining the requirements to a more detailed state so there is enough information to begin development.
Requirements Gathering
Gathering and documenting requirements happens over the course of several live sessions with a client. In addition to our vast experience across industries and software builds, our experts have a template of questions to ensure key details are uncovered during this critical step. Our team shares all documentation with our clients throughout this process and sets the foundation for a collaborative and transparent development process. We are left with an organized, clear, and detailed artifact that will be referenced throughout the course of the project by all team members.
Refinement
After the project begins, our teams will meet regularly to refine the work further. These meetings, often referred to as Grooming or Refinement Sessions, allow the team to dig into small chunks of work and ensure complete understanding before they begin to code. During this phase, our Project Leaders work closely with clients to confirm all important details. By taking this time to tightly align our work with the clients’ needs and expectations, we save time in the long run. It is much less time-consuming to change a design or requirement on a ticket before it is started than to re-code something after it is built. Throughout this refinement process, our team continuously updates the shared documentation and keeps our clients informed of any work that could result in changes to the project timeline.
Foundation for Success
Although each client brings their own unique needs and ideas, First Factory’s proven practice of analysis enables our team to consistently turn these ideas into clear, actionable requirements.
By leveraging the expertise of our Management Team, we ensure that every project starts on a solid foundation.
Let us be your ally in success: Contact us or check out what our clients say about us.
