The success of software development projects is dependent on three key constraints:
Changes to any one constraint will affect the other two and hence the
project outcome. While software technologies, processes and methods have
made rapid advances, software development remains a people-intensive process.
This leads to unpredictability, inconsistency and misinterpretation as
people's style, efficiency and ability vary.
Studies show that the sum of small improvements in the quality and efficiency
of individual team members provides significant benefits. These benefits
have been quantified by industry experts as follows:
"Improving software practices shorten schedules an average of ~15-20%
per year." James Herbsleb, et al. Benefits of CMM Based Software Process
improvement
"Improving software practices reduces cost an average of ~35% per year."
James Herbsleb et al. Benefits of CMM Based Software Process improvement
"Poor quality in the software process is the single largest cost driver
for most projects. Improved software practices improve quality an average
of ~40% per year." Steve McConnell. Rapid Development, Microsoft Press
stpsoft offers powerful yet simple solutions that ease and improve the work of software business
analysts. The table below outlines how stpsoft solutions achieve returns in
terms of improved time, reduced cost and better quality.
Feature
|
Time
|
Cost
|
Quality
|
|
Full automation of functional specifications
and test documentation |
Speed to delivery through document
automation
|
Cost reduced by shortening schedules |
Fewer errors and omissions through
standardisation |
|
Build GUI and workflow storyboards without any programming |
Time saved through using an intuitive
and effective tool to build storyboards |
Cost reduced through less reliance
on premium development staff |
Increased quality through greater
user involvement |
|
Provide customers with storyboards |
Early identification of issues and gaps saves time through less rework |
Cost reduced through less rework |
Quality user feedback early on results
in the delivery of user-friendly software |
|
Provide developers with storyboards
and quality documentation |
Minimising the scope for developer
assumptions saves time through less rework |
Cost reduced through less rework |
Reduced risk of a mismatch between user
expectations and software delivery |
|
Apply changes to storyboards 'on
the spot' |
Turnaround time of updating storyboards
and documentation reduced from days to minutes |
Reduced turnaround time for updates
combined with instant customer feedback reduces cost through shortened
schedules |
Early user feedback results in the
delivery of quality software |
|
Scope analysis |
Ensuring that the requirements and
functional specification address the original business goals saves
time through less rework |
Cost reduced through less rework |
Delivery of quality software that
realises the original business goals |
|
Customer feedback traceability |
Quick and easy tracing of changes
to specific customer feedback saves time during acceptance |
Traceability provides justification
for attributing the cost for changes to the customer |
Less risk of overlooking customer
feedback through standardisation |
|
Product gap analysis |
Early identification of product gaps and
customisation requirements saves times during implementation |
Reduced cost through minimising
unplanned customisations during implementation |
Smoother implementation through improved
planning |
