System Buildout (39)
Description:
Building the system defined in the technical specifications will primarily involve various types of coding (e.g., system coding, interface coding, and coding to leverage cloud-based software). In some cases, system buildout could also involve hardware development.
Details:
This building block involves standard engineering development. Frequently, this building block uses the agile method of software development, in which development is divided into multiple “sprints.” Development frequently means modifying existing systems, but it can also mean developing totally new systems.
Primary Use:
Build a RUC system as specified.
Best Practices/Lessons Learned:
- Allow enough time for development. Agile and other development methods have tools for estimating development time.
- Small changes can sometimes take longer than expected. Making any changes requires thoroughly documenting and testing impacts of the changes.
- Perform software testing (but not necessarily functional testing) during development. Software changes should be tested while development is ongoing. Functional testing occurs later.
- When errors are corrected, be certain to determine all systematic impacts of the error corrections.
State Government Context and Assumptions:
The system’s developer, typically the technology vendor, completes this task. This task is completed after the technical specifications are finalized and in accordance with any project schedule agreed to by the vendor.