How will my project work?

This section summarises the process we typically follow when working with our customers.  It's certainly not a case of 'one size fits all' as everyone's needs are different, but we trust this will provide a useful guide.  To learn more about any aspect of our process, please get in touch by email, Live Chat, through our Contact Us form on this page or by phone on 01252 531 421.

The project is split into phases as follows:

Discussing your needs

We provide custom software solutions to our customers.  Before we can begin selecting the most appropriate solutions, we need to gain a detailed understanding about your business, existing processes, challenges, ambitions and your vision of the ideal solution. 

So we listen, ask questions, provide ideas and collaborate to establish an outline strategy and feature set for the most suitable solution.

Project Proposal

With the knowledge we have acquired from our discussions, we then prepare and present you with a proposal document.  This document sets out how we will work with you, along with information on the feature set for the planned system.  It also includes estimated budget costings and timescales.

Planning

Following commitment from you to proceed, we embark on the planning stage. 

This is the most important and collaborative part of the project, including onsite meetings with your project stakeholders and our design team.  We use cutting edge visual tools to plan the look and feel of the software, so you can see it taking shape.  This is accompanied by a comprehensive functional specification document that details every aspect of the software. 

It's essential that your new software doesn't simply replace existing processes, but improves upon them, resulting in greater efficiency and a measureable return on investment.  We're proud of our strength in fusing business & process analysis with technical capability to create maximum value from your investment.

Post Planning Review

Having finalised the precise requirement, we conduct a review of the scope, budget and timescales.  Any changes are highlighted and a fixed price and accurate timeframe for completion of the project now provided.

Development

Based on the agreed specification, our team of senior developers then create the web-based application using a combination of a Microsoft SQL Server database and Rapid Application Development ('RAD') tools.  This approach saves us time and you money, as well as ensuring stability, reliability, performance and security.

All development takes place by our in-house team in Farnborough, Hampshire.  We do not outsource any development work, preferring instead to retain absolute control over development techniques and quality.

Quality Assurance Testing

Extensive testing and quality assurance processes are used to test all code and design aspects throughout the development.  Being a web based application, we are able to provide you with regular updates and demonstrations of the software as we progress through the build.

Once the application has been completed, a final round of testing both by DCSL Software and by end users will begin. This user testing is invaluable to ensure the robustness of the system in the hands of the people that will be using it day-to-day.

Training

Our systems are developed to be intuitive for the user, so the need for formal training is significantly reduced. The functional specification (which is written in ‘English’ as opposed to technical jargon) is generally used to compliment the knowledge of the stakeholders that have been involved in the creation of the system. 

Full training options are available on request and include onsite training or sessions here at our development centre in Farnborough.

Hosting

We have invested heavily to create the highest quality server environment with our partner, Rackspace, the industry leaders in hosting.  Once launched, your software application or website will be uploaded to our systems, where it will benefit from multiple servers, firewalls, storage, backup and intrusion detection.  We are also PCI-DSS compliant for the processing of credit card payments.

Support

The ongoing support provided by DCSL Software to assist in the maintenance of your new system will complete the process.  A comprehensive service level agreement is activated on launch of the system which includes priority bug fixing, assistance with any functionality you’re unfamiliar with and access to our online Helpdesk system alongside telephone and email support.

Do you have examples of previous work?

We have been developing tailor-made applications and website systems for over 15 years, during which time we have created software for a wide range of industry sectors.  Please visit our Case Studies page to learn how we've helped companies including BT Wholesale, the NHS and IKEA.  Alternatively, view the Industries pages to learn more about how we can tailor solutions for any industry sector.

We are happy to provide you with further examples and online demonstrations.  Please call on 01252 531 421 to discuss this with our team.

How do I get started?

The first step is to get in touch with us to explore the options.  There are a number of ways you can do this:

The best way to determine whether or not we're the right company for you is to get in touch.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.