Approach to Project Management

We are convinced that systems development project meet client expectations, remain within budget, and produce high-quality deliverables only when sound project management practices are employed. At Novasys, we use a project management system that organizes a project into a logical series of task and subtasks. Each task is defined in terms of its scope, objectives, and deliverables. Our approach, methodology, budgeted hours and scheduled start and completion dates are specified. With this structure, progress on each task and subtask is easily measured, controlled, and reported to the project manager and, in turn, the client.

While we use automated tools to help us manage larger, more complex projects, our project management system emphasize clear definition of tasks to be accomplished during a project and coordination and communication between Novasys project staff and client personnel.

Our approach is composed of distinct phases, and each phase can be adapted to the unique needs and requirements of an individual project. Each phase also builds upon the deliverables of the previous phase. The Novasys Approach is designed to deliver business value rapidly, by providing the results in several successive installments, rather than committing to extended projects where business deliverables are produced only at the end of a protracted period of time. This approach is also flexible, because not all phases are required by every project.

The Novasys Approach includes the following phases:

Novasys emphasizes rigorous business alignment during our assessment and architecture phases, and address critical performance and operational requirements during our architecture and development phases to ensure successful system deployment and operation.
Clients typically engage in a strategic initiative in which Novasys is engaged to help architect, develop and deploy a new high-value business solution. Strategic initiatives begin with an assessment and continue sequentially through the phases of the Novasys Approach.

Assessment

Every project begins with an assessment. Each assessment results in a clear definition of the client's business problem, a set of recommendations and an outline of the next steps as well as a statement of the project's contemplated business benefits. The assessment and the presentation of its results to our client is a key entry level service offering that enables Novasys to demonstrate our capabilities and serves as a platform for establishing a more extensive project engagement and a continuing client relationship.
Assessments typically address one or more of the following:

Business case and business requirements

Enterprise Architecture

Systems Architecture

Application Design

Development Process

Integration Testing Processes

Application Migration Consideration

Deployment Consideration

Operational Readiness Considerations

Architecture

A well-defined enterprise/system architecture provides a critical foundation for the successful definition, development, deployment and operation of information technology systems. Enterprise architectures address the entire portfolio of applications and technologies across the enterprise, while system architectures address the more focused scope of a specific application or system. The architecture is particularly critical when an iterative, phased approach for development and deployment is used because it provides a rational framework for each of the components and subsystems, as they are developed and deployed. A well-defined architecture and technical framework greatly reduces the effort and risk associated with the integration of components and subsystems because each of the subsystems are integrated using proven interfaces and methods. We deliver the architecture phase of the Novasys Approach to our clients either as part of a specific application or solution project, or alternatively, as a stand-alone engagement that addresses the entire enterprise architecture or specific components of it.

An architecture is also more than just an inventory of vendors and standards. It specifies all of the subsystems and components required to deploy an effective information technology system. Further, this architecture defines the dependencies and interfaces between the components and the functional, operational and performance requirements of each subsystem and component.

The architecture phase of the Novasys Approach also focuses on identifying and mitigating the major risks involved in the project. It can include building proofs of concept for high-risk system components and new technologies. Benchmarking may be performed to identify and resolve major system bottlenecks for performance. Prototypes may also be developed to visualize key user scenarios, functions or processes to make sure that there is consensus in their definition and that the project is resolving the key business issues and delivering the expected business value. Prototypes are also used to validate and test critical components of the architecture. This phase also involves detailing aspects of the architecture that need further definition before beginning component development.

Development / Integration

This stage of the Novasys Approach is characterized by phased design, development and testing of various individual components (including user and system interfaces) of the final business solution. If software packages or technology components will be integrated into the solution, then this phase also includes their integration. The phased system components are typically organized into releases that deliver meaningful business value in rapid time frames. We use standard methodologies and tools to conduct and document the design and development of system releases. Each system release goes through integration testing, as part of our quality assurance, to ensure that the components function properly as a complete system.

Deployment

Our deployment phase typically includes comprehensive integration and testing activities as well as a production readiness simulation where data volume, transaction characteristics and production parallel activities are addressed.

Operational Support

The operational support services phase of the Novasys Approach gives clients the opportunity to engage us for ongoing maintenance and support of applications and systems. We can also provide both remote and local system administration to ensure proper operation, maintenance and enhancement of systems.