SPS Data Services Project Process:
All SPS Data Services Projects follow a similar process, whether it be transforming data in existing systems or loading legacy data into new systems. Time, cost and risk is managed throughout projects by ensuring the client is kept in constant communication via our Project Management processes and that the rigorous testing regime at each phase is carried out and signed off by the client.
Initial Meeting
We meet with our clients to discuss the outline details of the engagement. The methodology and timescales, together with the identification of key personnel to be involved are agreed, and this is documented into a letter of engagement. The initial meeting is not billed.
Diagnostic Phase
The Projects then go through a brief Diagnostic Phase where we meet with the key personnel, review documents, data, key processes and systems in order to obtain an understanding of the key elements and constraints of the project. This phase is executed under the Letter of Engagement, and results in a detailed Project Proposal.
Project Proposal
The Project Proposal contains the detail of the scope, methodology, timescales and agreed outcomes of the project. The project is subdivided into Work Packages. An outline Project Plan and Budget Estimate for SPS work packages completes the proposal allowing the client to assess the project costs and benefits.
Testing Regime
For the most part our data services are a sub-component of the client’s own Project Initiation Document (or we will assist in defining one, where required). Our work package Proposal clearly lays out objectives, duties and responsibilities as applicable to our specific work packages.
Following the diagnostics phase and acceptance of the project proposal the following regime is used to safeguard business continuity
- Development / Systems Testing (SPS responsibility)
- User Acceptance Testing (User responsibility but with SPS guidance)
- Pre-production Testing (User responsibility leading to go/no go sign off)
- Live (with SPS post live support)
Risks identified in scoping and specifying the project are identified in advance and risk management actions put in place, for example retention of before and after environments.
We report on progress through a simple Forecast to Completion template. Any variations are clearly identified and the cost implications agreed with the client – this establishing a ‘no surprises’ regime.
Project Management
Underpinning the whole project are:
- Project Management Services whereby we report on progress through a simple Forecast to Completion template.
- Communications at all points of the project are maintained to establish close working relationship – any variations are clearly identified and the cost implications agreed with the client – this establishing a ‘no surprises’ regime.
Each Phase and ultimately the finalised project is signed off by the client.
In multi-phase projects a review of each phase is conducted in order to feed improvements into the following phase and to tune the project plan.