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Tried & Tested...
ADS have been creating custom solutions for nearly 20 years.

We ensure the success of every project by involving the Client at every key stage of the design & development process.

Existing Clients tell us they estimate the time and efficiency savings from using our solutions offset the project costs in just 6 to 18 months.

How We Work

ADS have been creating custom solutions for nearly 20 years and we firmly believe the key to a successful solution is not simply the application of technology but the thorough understanding of the Client's business processes and requirements. A well thought out system that fits your current processes as closely as possible will be more effective, quicker to learn and easier to operate.

Whether you are starting from scratch or improving on previous solutions we will work very closely with you explore the various possibilities and help you evaluate the merits and limitations to determine to most effective solution.

We always speak plain English and avoid the technical "jargon" wherever possible to really focus on the business and what you need from any system. All technologies have limitations as well as benefits and we help you assess any practical implications in straight business terms so you can make informed choices.

The Design & Development Process

This overview will give you a feel for the design and development process we follow when working directly for the end user Client; (the process will be different when we undertake subcontract work to specification)

  • Create a Workflow Diagram to show the business process

A workflow diagram is a logical representation of the business process with events listed in the way they normally occur. For example, a customer makes a telephone order, the operator searches for an existing customer record, or creates a new one, before creating a new order and adding the order items, applying the appropriate discounts and payment terms. Processes that may appear relatively simple at a glance may actually be quite involved and describing them in the workflow diagram ensures all aspects of the process are considered.

  • Create a Context Model to show interaction between the application and users, peripherals, other programs etc

This is a diagram that graphically represents the application data and any entity that will interact with it. e.g. Users, remote users, web customers, printers and other peripherals, other applications etc. Each entity  represents some functionality that requires developing, e.g. Users will require a user interface; interaction with Sage Accounts might require an import/export facility or an integration module.

  • Create a "Wire Frame" Prototype of the System

The next step is for us to use the Workflow and Context Model diagrams as a blueprint to create a simple, non-functional, user interface that the Client can use to visualise how the system will look and operate. This is called the "wire frame" as it is starts to define the "shape" of the finished system but is still very easy to modify. Normally there is a process of "modification and review" with each version of the model gaining an increasing level of detail. The wire frame can be created quickly and inexpensively and allows the client to verify that our understanding and interpretation is correct.

  • Start Developing

Once the wire frame process is complete we start the work to define the data structures and add the real functionality behind all the controls and features shown or described in the wire frame prototype. We provide interim versions at regular intervals for the Client to review progress and validate each stage of development.

  • Beta Version

Once the system has all the functionality completed we submit a Beta version for Client testing. Any remaining issues that arise are addressed and final changes implemented.

  • Acceptance Testing

Once all changes have been made we submit a final version of the system for Acceptance Testing where the Client will fully test and formally accept the system.

  • Roll Out

Once formally accepted we will fully deploy the system for normal operational use.

  • Ongoing Maintenance and Support

For total peace of mind we offer maintenance and support contracts that ensure you always get the assistance you need, when you need it. You also benefit from routine maintenance to keep your system fully optimised and up to date.

 

   
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