Methodology
Methodology
The DocPath Document Technology Project Implementation Methodology
Guaranteeing the success of the customer's technology implementation: this is the objective of our Consulting and Projects department. For this reason, all consultants who are part of our team are highly qualified professionals who follow procedures and techniques established by the Project Management Institute.
We know that a project that is done well meets the customer's needs and expectations and is finished on time within the established budget. Therefore, DocPath has developed a methodology that covers all phases of a project: Initiation, Planning and Design, Execution, Monitoring and Control and Closing, as illustrated in the diagram below:
Initiation
Listening to the customer is an essential aspect of any project. A project starts by consulting with the customer to determine what the actual work environment is and what the customer wants to develop. Based on the information gathered, our consultants will determine the scope of the project, i.e., the extent and reach of the work to be performed. Included, they will consider the current limitations as well as possible contingencies that may have a negative impact on the project.
Planning and Design
In the Planning and Design phase a realistic timetable is developed in which all the tasks to be performed will be fully stipulated. The timetable will be based on the customer's technical requirements and expected delivery date. Additionally, alternative plans will be designed to address potential contingencies that may arise.
Based on the analysis of the requirements, a conceptual design of the overall project will be created including all of the subsystems that will be involved. This stage includes the architectural design of the solution and its integration with the existing infrastructure as well as form designing and conceptual testing, which will objectively validate the proposed solution.
One of the most important aspects of this stage is Proof of Concept (PoC) or the feasibility of the proposed solution in terms of human and financial resources.
Execution
This phase refers to the installation of DocPath solutions. According to the architectural design that has been defined in the previous stage, different environments (Development, Pre-production and Production, this last generally as fully operational) will be deployed, configured and integrated with the different applications and environments of the customer.
Moreover, in this stage required forms will be designed, appropriate trainning will be given and system certification tests will be performed.
Every step of this phase will be controlled and monitored by the project manager, who will measure and compare the work against initial estimates. Being in constant contact with the customer, the project manager will be able to respond quickly to deviations that occur and if it is necessary will apply the appropriate corrective measures. Thus it will be ensured that the work meets accepted and established criteria and that all interested parties are informed on the progress and status of the project.
The execution phase is the most critical phase of any project. Communication is vital in this phase of operation as our consultants must coordinate all the different processes involved in the implementation of the project – from software functionality to designing forms, to quality assurance testing procedures, to deployment.
Monitoring and Control
Monitoring and controlling a project involves evaluating the project, especially in the Planning and Execution phases. Any deviation from the accepted scope of work will ultimately affect the outcome of the project in terms of resources and performance. Therefore, changes must be kept to a minimum. Proper monitoring and control will minimize any adverse effects modifications may cause and provide a means of accurately forecasting results and outcome.
Project Termination and Closing
The project will be considered finished after everything is installed, implemented and evaluated, which may include testing with real-life production. All resources assigned to the project will be released. Everything will be documented and the project will be formally signed off with the customer. At this time, DocPath's Post Sales Support service will enter into effect to resolve any questions or issues that may arise. This is also the time that the customer may schedule additional training if it is desired or if it is already in the scope of the project.
A project is considered terminated and closed after delivery and installation of all agreed upon materials and components including software, documentation, training sessions and resources.
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