Software Development Project Feasibility Study
Software Development Project Feasibility Questions & Considerations.
Our Senior Consultants walk through the Discovery, Feasibility, and Strategy phases of planning a software development project outlined below using the same templates and procedures we use on our own projects.
Quality People > Scalable Resources > Better Business Solution!
Discover the Five Critical Factors technical leaders consider when estimating the cost of any development project while recommending proven strategies for dealing with the challenges of software development cost estimation.
Hidden project infrastructure costs
Costs related to staff turnover and the need for new skills
Expenses due to project dependencies and communication
…and much more!
Quick Menu
<Quick Menu>
How To Begin Your Feasibility Study
Base Questions
- Effect On Business – This area will relate to revenue, efficiencies, including time savings and ROI, product offerings to customers, how these offerings compare with competitors’ offerings, and the satisfaction of employees.
- Who Will Use – Internal, external, decision-makers, other.
- Interoperability (Now & Future) – Which other systems, and how many, within the company should this new application interact seamlessly? Can and should it integrate with the current system? Will it run on infrastructure, in the cloud, or have to work as a hybrid or multi-system application?
- End-User Sophistication Level – Can this be a complex system, or should the user experience be in single steps? Is the audience expecting high-design, or can it be more “database” driven (i.e Turbo Tax vs. H&R Block Software)?
- How Much Data Will Be Delivered And Produced – This is a very important question. You should make sure the expectations align with your network and infrastructure. In addition, make sure that you plan to collect your data in a format that can be used for future predictive modeling and any automation that may be in your future if AI becomes part of your plan.
- How Much Data Will Be Delivered And Produced – This is a fundamental question. You should make sure the expectations align with your network and infrastructure. Besides, make sure that you plan to collect your data in a format that can be used for future predictive modeling and any automation that may be in your future if AI becomes part of your plan.
- What Is The Potential Value Of The Data – If it is proprietary to you and can be used to help in decisions, identifying trends, and assist in other areas of the company, the value increases exponentially.
With the ever-changing speed of technology and programming languages, it is essential to get an outside view on the technical side. Use a company that is not a specialist in one technology. Intertech works in a complete range of languages, as you can see from our website and education division.
After answering these questions and speaking with a qualified development firm, do a reality check. You need to keep innovating to stay in business, but ask yourself what the implications of this specific project will be on the company and whether it makes sense? If the answer is yes, it is time to consider some of the things that your development team will consider.
Do Nothing
If the reasons for the project do not add up, there is no reason to continue. Remaining with the status quo is always an alternative. You have made it this far with your current system, and that may be the best solution. It is important to remember that not everything needs to be automated or set up to collect data for future use.
Build Your Vision
Creating Exactly What You Need, utilizing some of or none of your current system allows you to get exactly what you have determined to be the best solution for your department, the company, and the customer. However, it is a big step and the potential costs should align with the potential benefits.
PrePackaged Product
There are many SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) and prepackaged applications on the market. This is an option that helps middle-players afford conventional systems without the up-front expense of custom software. The cons are that you often outgrow the software quickly but not the contract. (SaaS Conversions)
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Identify the costs of development and convert these to potential savings that will be realized in the future. One way of doing this is by creating a chart similar to the one below. Make sure to consider multiple perspectives on the situation.
Costs vs. Benefits Should Be Considered:
Technical Feasibility
Next, review the technologies that will be required and compare them with new technologies that may be better. Make sure your IT department is with you every step of the way. And make sure not to latch onto fad-tech toted as the most significant thing in years. Take your time and consider if the technology is proven and sound. Ask yourself, is it supported, or is it so specialized that future assistance may be tough to find and very expensive.
Evaluate the technologies you are using and research the innovations these companies offer that may expand your current system while considering new ones that have proven support and integrate well with your company’s existing business IT requirements.
Even if everything aligns logically, telling you to move forward, make sure the political will is there to succeed. Without backing from above, it can be a steep slog. Use your findings during your feasibility study stage, bring in a project manager and your lead IT expert to help you answer and explain technical questions, and keep it simple.
How Does Intertech Help You Move Forward?
We work through all phases to make sure you don’t miss a thing. In the feasibility discovery phase, findings allow us to map out your requirements for development, maintenance, DevOps skillsets, schedules, and deployment. We will add a Full Technical Skill and Competency Review, Time to Market Requirement Analysis, and Regulatory and Internationalization Assessment.
Next, we outline a strategy that will define recommendations for the technology stack, provide a project management game plan and propose necessary team resources. This will include Software Development Lifecycle Planning, Documentation Needs, Rollout Options, Proposed Resource Model, Suggested Technology Stack, and more.
You’ll also receive a project launch map and follow-on support plan. In short: everything you need to plan the actual rollout, as well as manage your documentation needs and the full software development lifecycle.