You have a vision in your head for what you want to see for your new software.  You may have outlined a few details, needs, and wants.  But how do you get from this point to utilizing a fully functioning software within your business daily?

There are several approaches and models for custom software development.  And, in truth, depending on the development team you work with, you may encounter multiple theories within the same company.  At LTC, we practice Agile methodology.

At its core, Agile development allows our development team the flexibility to create and respond to change quickly and as needed.  This allows our development timeline not only to be faster but the end product that much more accepted, as requirements tend to change throughout the software development lifecycle.

Our Process

While we can work within a current software solution or tailor-make an application to bridge workflows, our specialty is in custom development.  Starting from scratch, we go through the following process points working in tandem with our project management team and our customers:

 

While we can work within a current software solution or tailor-make an application to bridge workflows, our specialty is in custom development.  Starting from scratch, we go through the following process points working in tandem with our project management team and our customers:

  • Planning: Before a line of code is written, a complete planning process must be gone through to create a functional needs analysis.  The end deliverable is a blueprint of the software showing various trigger points and possible use cases.  The goal of the planning stage, often just as long as the development stage, is to understand what challenges may be faced and create a plan for accommodating or circumventing potential obstacles.


  • Analysis: This phase involves determining if the project is feasible – both in terms of development needs and in terms of budget.  Often times, like most things in life, your wishes may not align to your budget.  During this phase, all pieces of the planning stage or sorted out into needs and potential wants if and when the budget dictates.


  • Design: During the design phase, we create both a sitemap and design layout.  This helps both the development team and all end users visualize the product.  It’s also a great way to see what may have been overlooked during the planning stages.  As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.


  • Development: Where the magic happens.  During the development phase, our programmers take the design and detailed requirements and turn it into clean, well-written code.  As part of our Agile process, we participate in development sprints – each for about 2 weeks.  At the end of each sprint, a report and demo is prepared for the client.  This offers a chance for the client to make adjustments for the next sprint.  Additionally, a sprint planning meeting occurs showing the client where the process is headed and providing an update on the overall project timeline.  It is our goal to keep you well informed throughout the entire development process.


  • Testing: Besides the actual development, this may be the most important part of the process. It’s imperative for both our team and a select group of your team to test the software through every possible scenario – recording any possible errors and allowing ample time to update as needed.


  • Go Live: We first go live with a beta phase.  This involves the tested version to be actively used by your entire team in a live setting.  Any other glitches that are experienced in a live environment have a chance to be fixed before the software is considered “live” and rolled out in it’s final and complete form.


  • Maintenance: This phase involves after-live support by our development team to ensure your complete satisfaction and allow for possible additions as you get comfortable utilizing your new software within your business process.

Throughout the entire software development process, we take your rough draft concept and work alongside you to validate your concept, set expectations, avoid unplanned bottlenecks and costs, and plan to not only fit your business timeline but also your budget.  A custom software solution solves the unique daily operations of your business, working with your process, filling your employee requirements and making your workflow faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Regardless of the type of custom software development you’re interested in, you can count on our team to deliver a fast, friendly, and affordable solution.  Ready to learn more?  We’d be happy to provide a free, no pressure consultation!