Home > Services > IT Consulting > Methodology CompuPros’ success in consulting and project management assignments is supported by a proprietary, structured systems development methodology (SDM) focused on people, processes and tools. Process phases begin with conceptualization and finish with satisfaction of client expectations. Concepts include: An SDM that balances structure with flexibility Consistent use of defined standards, repeatable and proven processes, deliverable templates and productivity tools Iterative cost/benefit analysis Open, frequent and concise communications Structured project planning and related status reporting against the plan Efficient and effective resource utilization - the right people doing the right thing at the right time Project phases are defined as follows: Snapshot Awareness Phase — Conduct a brief engagement focused on defining client issues concisely. CompuPros professionals work with your senior managers to assess immediate needs, define the issues at a high level, and submit a project proposal for client review and approval to proceed. Assessment Phase — Complete a more detailed analysis of the client’s stated issues and an alternatives evaluation. CompuPros professionals work with client senior managers, supervisors and selected staff to further define the pertinent issues, conduct detailed research and analysis (e.g., personal interviews, evaluations and questionnaires) and evaluate possible alternatives. CompuPros will complete a gap analysis, a cost/benefit analysis (CBA), define the project plan, document recommendations aligned with client strategic plans and submit the phase deliverable for client review and approval to proceed. Requirements Phase — Work with client business and IT staff and use data gathered in the assessment phase to define high level and detail level requirements. Based on new information, CompuPros will update the first CBA, refine the project plan and submit the phase deliverable for client review and approval to proceed. Design Phase — Work with client business and IT staff using data gathered in the requirements phase to document high level and detail level systems design/specifications and related business processes. CompuPros will update the second CBA, refine the project plan and submit the phase deliverable for client review and approval to proceed. Build Phase — Using the detail level design/specification as a road map, work with client business and IT staff to build the application systems and related business processes needed for system production. This phase is grounded by a consistent and structured environment of code reviews and walk-throughs. CompuPros will conduct unit testing and systems integration testing, update the project plan and submit the phase deliverable for client review and approval to proceed. Quality Assurance Phase — Work with client business and IT staff to conduct model office/acceptance testing to validate results as defined by the specific business requirements, technical specifications and test plans, and conduct staff training as needed. Submit the phase deliverable for client review and approval to proceed. Implementation Phase — Install the new application systems, business processes and associated procedure documentation into the production environment. CompuPros will complete related business and technical knowledge transfer to client staff including related support materials (IT and business). Post Implementation Phase — Complete various project shut down procedures, update the third CBA with final project financials, attend to library clean-up activities and lead a project lessons learned review. Once the status of an ongoing project is understood, the project will be brought into the appropriate phase of the SDM and proceed forward from that point along with related client business and IT staff training.