Requirements, Requirements, - - - ,
by Connie Pitcher
Just as location, location, location serves to emphasize what is most important when looking for real estate, requirements, requirements, requirements serves to emphasize what is most im-portant when searching for a PDM system or any business system. Do not begin your search for tools to meet your business needs until you know your requirements. What types? There are many. Here is a list of the main requirements that your team needs to gather;
What is the goal? Make sure that you have clearly defined the high level scope and goals for this implementation. How will you know that you have successfully completed the project . . . write it down and validate it with corporate management and sponsorship.
What is your corporate architecture? What type of hardware and software platforms are supported, Unix or NT or . . . be sure to make this clear to the suppliers that you solicit for quotations.
How will your users interface with this new system? Is this a web environment? If so, is it HTML or JSP? Do you want software loaded to user's desktops (thick client)? Keep in mind the labor involved in this GUI - - periodic desktop software upgrades and installs for new team members.
System functionality must be clearly defined, reviewed and agreed upon by all involved. Functionality must be detailed. Do not leave functionality statements open to interpretation.
Out-of-the-Box or Tool Kit
This refers to whether you are looking for an out-of-the box application, a plug-n-play solution, or do you want to use a tool kit approach? Or, perhaps you need a combination, utilizing a predefined application as a launching point with the ability to configure or tailor the application for additional business needs.
Perhaps you have immediate needs to be addressed by the new system but you may also have a vision for the future. Document your vision and make your suppliers share your direction and strategies for growth.
Your new system may replace existing systems and possibly be integrated with other systems inside and outside your organization. Get a broad picture of those needs and document the systems to be integrated so your supplier can assess the tasks. Will integrations be one way or bi-directional; database to database or via an API?
Requirements, requirements, requirements; document them clearly and concisely. Validate them. Now you are ready to search for a supplier.
Institute of Configuration Management Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5656 Tel: (480) 998-8600 Fax: (480) 998-8923 Email: info@icmhq.com