Application System Solutions
Using Repeatable Processes to Balance Cost, Schedule, and Performance
Successful development of application systems results in new Information Technology
tools in the hands of the end user. At Orizon, we design, construct, and implement
end-user IT tools focused on operational objectives.
Orizon technical and management staff offer significant expertise in application
system solutions, including Web and legacy system design and development
services that span a wide variety of the latest programming languages, tools, and
platforms. It is our experience that successful development requires the use of
processes that, when followed, will lead to consistent results.
The Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
establishes an environment for successful software development. At Orizon, we have
standard processes that cover the Level 2 and 3 Process Areas. These CMMI compliant
processes set the stage for success, but more is required. At Orizon we understand
that if we are to meet our customer's expectations, we must closely manage the three
major variables: Cost, Schedule, and Performance. Overemphasis on one of these three
variables will impact the other two. Orizon project managers will balance all three
variables to ensure that your projects are delivered on schedule with the capability
we agreed to provide, at the cost that you anticipated.
Planning and Analysis - Thorough, detailed planning is at the core of successful projects. Orizon's CMMI
process framework allows our project managers to focus on the specifics of each
project. Our success is based on the knowledge that we have encapsulated in our
processes and the continual improvement of those processes.
Successful application development is based on a solid requirements analysis and
management process. Many projects fail to achieve the desired results because requirements
are either not defined or requirements are not firm. At Orizon, our project managers
control requirements. We do not let projects either get out of scope or drag on
with no end in sight. We measure success in terms of quality Information Technology
tools in the hands of the end user. Disciplined requirements analysis and management
allows us to achieve that goal.
Design and Development - Orizon personnel have expertise with a wide range of development languages / environments
and database management systems. Our experience shows that the two keys to success
are Verification and Validation (V&V) process area practices both aspects are planned during the first phase and
executed throughout this and subsequent phases. Orizon staff members fully understand
that cost to fix a defect increases exponentially the later in the life cycle that
it is identified.
Testing and Implementation - At Orizon, we insist on rigorous testing from two perspectives. First, we test to
ensure that the end product, whether it is a database or software or any combination,
meets the requirements specification. The second perspective is to ensure that the
product was developed according to the standard for that product. To achieve this
end, Orizon¹s Technical Solution process requires the identification of the standard
for the product during the project planning process. This ensures there are "no
surprises" during the testing phase.
Orizon project managers begin to address the implementation phase during the planning
and analysis phase. There are few, if any, information systems that can be implemented
in isolation. Therefore, we focus on identifying external interfaces and including
them throughout the process. In this way, we will not have any last minute external
requirements that impede implementation. Throughout all phases, our development
team personnel closely interact with our technology infrastructure personnel to
ensure that the environment is prepared for the new capability.
Skills Assessment and Training - Orizon's standard practice incorporates a Technical Needs and Skills Assessment
process. We use this process to compare personnel against the skills required to
accomplish a specific function. This assessment is the first part of our Level 3
compliant Organizatonal Training process area. When completed, the assessment feeds the Training
Plan. Orizon is fully committed to the professional development of our employees.
We are prepared to offer our extensive capability to our clients, if desired.
Sustainment - Sustaining Information Technology solutions requires the same discipline as the
initial development. Orizon has designed its repeatable processes to accommodate
this phase of the life cycle. We execute each step in the life cycle for each product.
In this way, Orizon engineers sustain operational systems in a "least cost" environment.
Customers searching to reduce the cost of sustaining legacy systems will find Orizon¹s
documented processes the tool required to ensure the effective application of resources
to requirements to ensure that enhanced solutions are provided to end users.
Read a Success Story where we implemented this service.