Spirit Consulting - Computer Consulting Firm

Spirit Consulting - Computer Consulting Firm

In addition to the wide array of technologies and services on the market today, the implementation alternatives can be equally diverse. Posed with identical problems, no two development teams will provide the exact same solution, even if the technologies involved are the same. Spirit Consulting's application development service is unique in that all developers we engage possess the literacy and analytical capability with both business and technology. It is our opinion that the ability to understand the business is essential in the development of the optimum solution, regardless of the technologies involved. This broad expertise helps bridge the gap that often exists between the business units and their technology support units.

Our development strategy is to first focus on the expeditious roll-out of a prototype system and/or enhancement that is in position to evolve. The prototype system provides an ideal forum for the refinement of system requirements through direct hands-on pilot use. Although we recognize the importance of understanding process flow in detailed system design, we are of the opinion that prototyping can give immediate insight into the eventual "look and feel" while at the same time provide an effective means to flush out requirements issues that may not always be obvious on the drawing board.

In addition to the use of prototyping as a tool to maximize efficiency, we also believe that it is good practice to concentrate on the core functionality prior to adding the "bells and whistles". Initial strategies that spend time developing ancillary features that may not necessarily be essential to the project, but "look nice", often result in unnecessary rework due to subsequent changes in the core processes and/or functionality. Our approach concentrates on developing solutions that remain focused on the core problems to be addressed, giving lesser regard to the "bells and whistles" until the core functionality has been handled.

As the development cycle progresses, Spirit Consulting recommends heavy reliance on the use of the Spirit/Client Portal as the means to follow the project plan and track the individual activities and milestones. This is an effective way to ensure that all parties have a mutual understanding of the activities and the associated completion time frames. The conscientious use of the Spirit/Client Portal is encouraged as the forum for members of the client organization to post issues. It is our opinion that it is essential that all issues have adequate discussion prior to automatic implementation. The most common mistakes are made when developers force the system to meet an objective simply because it was requested. The importance of trade-off conversation cannot be overlooked.

Spirit Consulting's application development service can be provided either on-site or off-site. Most of our engagements contain a combination of the two. Project details and/or travel costs typically dictate the optimum scheduling of the development personnel involved.