The answer is simple - the software development process.

Regardless of project size, Xentex employs a standard software development process to every project. Depending on specific client needs, certain aspects of the process may need more attention than others, but the overall principles are the same.

An important aspect of the software development process is understanding that it doesn’t start with writing code. It begins long before any programming is actually done.

The first step in the software development process is to put together a complete list of business requirements.

The Business Requirements Document (BRD) covers all basic components required in the software from a business perspective. Xentex can assist in the process of understanding and developing a complete Business Requirements Document.

After completing the BRD, a fully detailed functional specification document must be developed.

This functional specification translates the requirements into a “prototype” document. This document describes how the software will implement the required business features. Xentex provides project management resources to author and manage this document with regular review and input from our clients. This step is crucial in the overall development cycle. The Functional Specification acts as the basis for developing a full project development plan.

The technical specification describes how this functionality will be implemented.

In conjunction with the functional specification document, a technical specification document is also prepared. The functional document describes what the specific functionality of the software will be and how it will be presented to the user. The technical specification describes how this functionality will be implemented. The depth of the technical specification is greatly determined by the complexity of the specific features.

Once these documents are complete, a detailed project plan must be developed.

The project plan includes a detailed technical implementation plan including resource allocation, a list of regular client deliverables to measure progress, a list of any dependencies on the client and a delivery date. Xentex uses these documents to provide each client with a project budget.

Once project approval is received, the development process begins.

As the development team begins development, quality assurance is developing a comprehensive test plan to ensure a well-tested product. The product manager closely monitors the development process to ensure a quality product is being developed and is meeting the specified deadlines. The product manager is responsible for resolving all development issues in a timely fashion to ensure no slippage in the delivery dates.

The key to a successful project lies in the skill of its project management.

Xentex understands that a functional specification is a changing document. Throughout the development cycle, the product manager is responsible for maintaining the functional specification document. Managing the change request process during the development cycle is the downfall of many software development efforts. At Xentex, our managers are trained to track change requests and develop strategies for addressing these requests. Any possible impacts to the schedule are clearly addressed and presented to our clients before any changes are made. Our clients are given all options regarding each potential change and are clearly presented the impact for each.

The quality assurance process is tightly integrated with the development process.

Quality assurance begins with the initial milestone and is maintained throughout the development life cycle. This assures we provide our clients with quality products.

When the product is functionally complete, Xentex works through any re-work issues that may have arisen during the development process.

Once the rework cycle is completed, the software is ready for managed release to select customers. When the pre-release is complete and any outstanding issues are resolved, the software is ready to ship. Once complete, Xentex performs an official hand-off to the client that includes all software and documentation.