In this day and age, it is crucial to understand how the software development process actually works when managing such a project. To help CEOs, managers, or stakeholders navigate the software development procedure, let us highlight a few factors.
1. May Not Have Same Focus
You want a superbly performing app for your clients that will boast great results. It has to be well-designed, too. However, the development team’s goals might not be aligned with this vision. In an ideal world, every department in a company would rally behind the vision of the company, and work to develop products that positively contribute to the company’s mission. However, real life is rarely so straightforward or simple. If a development team is not kept in the loop, it will be easy for them to lose sight of management’s ultimate focus. Thus, one must be particularly thorough while explaining the purpose of the software and the way in which it contributes to the company’s vision.
2. Only Relevant, High-Quality Features Matter
Oftentimes, a software application has loads of features, but most of them are not of good quality. With the variety of options in any app category, people will only use apps with well-designed and expertly-integrated features. It is of primary importance to increase the usability of a particular app and not just add useless features. Another important quality consideration is in running alpha and beta testing to preemptively resolve any bug issues before launch.
3. Time Is Necessary
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your software or app won’t be either. No matter what deadline you set, you need to be flexible since getting a perfect product or a service means putting in the time and energy necessary to create a quality product. Leave your team room and time to pivot if a development team member has great ideas for the product that no one considered before the project began. An excellent app or software delivered a couple weeks behind schedule is far superior to on-time delivery of a hastily-compiled app or software that serves no purpose to any client.
4. Quality Works On What You Pay
You get what you pay for to a degree. Look for the development company that is the best value, not the cheapest offer. Which will give you the most bang for your buck? The best measurement for this is to look at return on investment (ROI) time. How long will it take for your company to recoup its investment with an expensive, superior development company compared to an inferior, inexpensive one? Oftentimes, a better development company will involve more of an investment upfront, but the high-quality of the finished product will allow your company to make its money back many times over.
5. Be Clear With Your Vision
Let your development team know about your ideas, approach, future plans and other relevant information - both at the beginning of the project, and with reminders throughout. If you leave out any piece of information assuming that it’s insignificant, then at some point in future you might be facing issues due to negligence in communicating project scope. It is also the responsibility of each employee to ask any questions he or she has to positively and productively contribute to the project. Make sure this expectation of asking for clarification is clear and encouraged. Miscommunication is another hurdle that has to be cleared from the beginning. Sharing thoughts and information is crucial.
6. Ask For Clarification
Development teams may not always be clear in communicating all the details regarding an app development to you, the client. As is the case in any industry, once you’ve been working in a field for a certain amount of time, and with other people who know your area of expertise well, jargon becomes common. In the insular world of work, it is easy to forget that not all of a developer’s knowledge is common sense to a business person. If something is unclear from your development team, ask them right away. If you do not, they will move on without clarifying which might make things a little difficult in future. So, make sure that you speak up and let them know what you need to understand.
7. Nothing is ‘The End’ in Development
Say you have a wonderful app running. Your clients are super excited. But then what? What happens when some issues arise? Or when you need to upgrade a feature? The point is there is no absolute end in a software development process. Maintenance, bug fixes improvements, and upgrading are necessary. That’s the reason you need a team that will help you with long term support and will take care of these factors. Having a plan in place to address these long-term considerations as early as possible will keep you from scrambling to agree to unfavorable terms when the first issue arises and needs to be fixed ASAP.
Final Thought
As with any project, your ideas and approaches to software development and integration at your company will only work with good communication and support of an experienced development team.Contact KitelyTech today to discuss the details of how we can add value to you and your online business.Phone: (800) 274 2908Email: info@kitelytech.com
