Keffer Development Services |
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Why do we want to consider custom computer software? What are your minimum PC requirements? Can you give me some highlights for software you develop? What are the typical steps in the development process? How do you estimate the time necessary to do a project? Why do we want to consider custom computer software?
Custom
programs and "off the shelf" programs are two very different
approaches to finding computer programs to increase productivity,
efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The
"off the shelf" program has the advantage of low purchase
cost. If
the program does exactly what you need it to do, requires minimal
training, and improves your firm's productivity, it would be the best
possible approach.
In many cases, firms will purchase "off the shelf"
programs and then find they must make certain changes in their
operations in accord with what the software program permits them to do
and how it requires them to do it.
Much
of the time when custom programs are developed, the benefits are
relatively easy to recognize because no "off the shelf"
software comes close to providing the services and flexibility needed
and it is clear that a customer program solution is an absolute
requirement.
Custom programs, on the other hand, can require a significant investment of both time and money. A custom program makes sense only if the savings generated from improved productivity, efficiency and effectiveness outweigh the investment required.
What are your minimum PC requirements
Windows® 2000,
Windows XP®,
512 MB of random access memory (RAM).
Super VGA monitor, 800x600 pixel monitor resolution, 256 colors.
250 MB of hard disk space recommended for
each workstation.
CD-ROM drive capable of reading at
speeds of
16x or better.
Standard 101-key windows keyboard.
Suitable network card if a network will
be required. Can you give me some highlights for software you develop?
Our
applications are scalable from a standalone computer to a multi-user
network or the internet. What are the typical steps in the development process?
A
time estimate and formal quotation are done for phase I, the system
design.
The
client commits to phase I of the project.
Detailed
information is gathered.
A draft system design is performed and reviewed with
the potential client.
The design is reviewed and finalized.
The client commits to phase II of the project.
Development
is started.
A
cycle of programming and quality assurance testing are done at our
site and Beta testing is conducted at the client site.
A final application and design review is done.
Final
changes are made if necessary.
The software is installed.
Training is performed.
On-going enhancements are done as needed. How do you estimate the time necessary to do a project?
In
an ideal world we would be doing our estimations from a complete system
design. This design is
usually done by us, someone from the client company, or someone from
another company. This gives
us the ability to know exactly what is expected and we can judge our
time accordingly. Unfortunately,
in most projects this is not the case, so we must use the estimation
process I’ve outlined below. After
reviewing our process I think you will see why I am confident our
estimates are accurate and in line with the amount of work to be done.
Estimating
Time for Screens:
For
screens, determining the screen difficulty is the primary key in
estimating time. A member
of our staff, usually Alan or myself, does the initial estimation.
This estimation is then reviewed and confirmed with other staff. To determine the difficulty level for a screen we answer the following questions:
We
have established a rating scale from 1 to 5+, with 5+ being the most
difficult. Each level on
the scale corresponds to 16 hours of estimated work. A rating of 5+ means the screen will require more than 80
hours and needs further discussion to come up with a good estimate.
Estimating
Time for Reports:
For
reports, as with screens, determining the screen difficulty is the
primary key in estimating time. Again, a member of our staff, usually Alan or myself, does
the initial estimation and this estimation is then reviewed and
confirmed with other staff. To determine the difficulty level for a report we answer the following questions: 1. What is the total number of tables needed? 2. How difficult will the table links be? 3. How many, if any, sub-reports will be required? 4. Are there any special formulas/math that need to be applied? 5. Does the client want any special features in the report? 6. Have we missed anything that might make this screen more difficult? 7. How much time should we allow for “unforeseen” requirements?
We
have established a rating scale from 1 to 5+, with 5+ being the most
difficult. Each level on
the scale corresponds to 4 hours of estimated work. A rating of 5+ means the report will require more than 20
hours and needs further discussion to come up with a good estimate.
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