Our development process is a lot like building a custom home; this is after all, custom software.
Research
Presentation
Proposal
Project Begins
Testing
Project Completion
Research
Vetting
We ask what style of house you want, how many rooms, floorplan requirements, quality of fixtures, cabinets, etc.
We learn about your products, what you want from them and how you want them designed. We ask for your goals in making the extension and determine if we are a good fit for your CET desires.
Analysis
We draft up the blueprints based on your needs. We look at houses we have built in the past and find comparisons. We send out requests for prices to relevant contacts. We establish a low, mid, or high tier budget based on customer needs.
We dive into your products, learn about them, and compare them to similar products we have created in the past.
We examine your data. This is done by examining data you have. If you have SIF files, we parse them into our database format and plug it into CET so that we can see it in the familiar context of CET’s picklist functionality.
We also look at your models. What is the polygon count? How much work will it be to utilize these and create the required levels of detail needed to ensure a performant extension? Where will we use your models, vs. using algorithmic graphic generation instead?
Estimate
We aggregate the data gathered and tally them up. We compare prices against historical contexts and look at current market factors.
We use this information to estimate what it would take to create a mid-tier level full PGC extension. This estimate is created by an internal team that includes a project manager, and at least two experienced developers.
The Project Manager ensures the numbers are backed by historical comparisons when applicable. They also break the product into logical groups and ensures assumptions are being called out. The developers look at the details and try to find any hidden requirements or needs that would drastically impact the price.
Presentation
We meet with the client to discuss our findings, the costs, and to discuss any large holistic changes that might be required and make the necessary changes to the plans.
PlatinumEdge believes in full transparency. This is the stage when the customer is sent all the information we have learned about their products, the estimate and how we arrived at it. The customer is given time to ask any questions about our estimate, our software, and given demos of similar extensions and product lines we have already developed.
PlatinumEdge will discuss any significant assumptions, notes are taken, and likely some adjustments to the numbers will be required post-meeting.
Timelines will also be discussed in this meeting to ensure we have sufficient information to create our proposal. For projects over $50,000, this meeting can be arranged as an on-site meeting at no cost to the client.
Proposal
All information is gathered for the house into a formal document outlining what, when and much. Details on what was quoted how are provided. Agreements are sent for review.
At this stage, PlatinumEdge will send the final proposal for the project. It will include our final estimates and the Service Agreement to be signed. It also includes a proposed timeline based on earlier conversations.
The Service Agreement establishes the rules for engagement. Payment terms, price per hour and other legal requirements.
The Statement of Work establishes the initial plan and intentions for the project. These are planned to change as the project progresses and the customer learns more about CET’s capabilities, and as PlatinumEdge learns more about the products. We know we cannot anticipate all needs or requirements up front.
Acceptance
Project is approved, documents are signed, and finance is secured.
Client and PlatinumEdge sign the agreement and statement of work.
Project Begins
Construction begins according to specifications. Homeowner gets to choose final details for each aspect of the house as the build approaches this section. This is done by comparing the quoted cost against build options. Sometimes cheaper options are chosen, sometimes the same, and sometimes more expensive.
PlatinumEdge’s project management process will kick in here. A project board will be created for the initial project to track the status of each item to be worked on.
Meetings will happen regularly to plan out the next set of items to be worked on in greater detail. Demonstration of progress will happen to ensure client sees what they are getting and has a chance to provide feedback. Questions are asked on both sides to clarify details. Changes to the plan happen transparently and fluidly.
Testing
The homeowner visits during construction to give feedback and provide clarity on areas that are to be started soon.
Testing by PlatinumEdge happens throughout the project. Dedicated QA is involved with the project daily to ensure they also understand the products and the software requirements. Developer efforts are all tested against these requirements.
As the project approaches completion, the client will begin to assist in testing efforts. This will ensure behaviors are correct, the products are specified correctly, and that the designers enjoy using it. Also, at this stage, mandatory and optional reviews are available. Configura requires all extensions to be quality reviewed by them prior to release. Other service partners are also available to provide feedback on usability and standards compliance.
Project Completion
The homeowner moves in and begins to use their new house.
The software is completed, and it is excellent. Both client and PlatinumEdge are proud of it. Designers love to use the software and sell the clients products using it.
The project is never done. After launch, the project moves into maintenance. Changes in product design require changes in the software. Evolutions in CET Designer require updates in the code to accommodate new changes and additions. Usage of the software reveals items to be improved on or altered to better satisfy needs. However, because of how well written the code is, the costs to update and maintain are lower than they would have been otherwise.
What We Do
At PlatinumEdge we love to solve complexity. We automate everything we can, we write down our processes, and we debate best practices to make sure we are doing the absolute best by our clients and users. This passion transfers to our software solutions. We want the best for you as quickly and cost effectively as possible without any sacrifice to performance, standards, or user experience.
A fully automated PGC extension is the best long-term value for any manufacturer with complex products.
If you are not already talking to us, reach out and learn more! Info@platinumedgesolutions.com