If you've never commissioned custom software before, the process can seem like a black box. Here's exactly what happens—and what you should expect at each stage.
Phase 1: Discovery (2-4 weeks)
What happens:
- Deep dive into your current processes and pain points
- User interviews and workflow observation
- System requirements documentation
- Technical feasibility assessment
Your involvement: High. We need access to your team and processes.
Deliverable: Requirements document and project proposal
Phase 2: Design (2-4 weeks)
What happens:
- System architecture design
- Database schema planning
- User interface wireframes and mockups
- Integration architecture
Your involvement: Medium. Review and feedback on designs.
Deliverable: Design documents and clickable prototypes
Phase 3: Development (8-16 weeks)
What happens:
- Iterative development in 2-week sprints
- Regular demos of working functionality
- Continuous testing and quality assurance
- Integration with existing systems
Your involvement: Medium. Weekly check-ins and sprint reviews.
Deliverable: Working software, delivered incrementally
Phase 4: Testing & Refinement (2-4 weeks)
What happens:
- User acceptance testing
- Performance testing
- Security testing
- Bug fixes and refinements
Your involvement: High. Your team tests real workflows.
Deliverable: Production-ready software
Phase 5: Deployment & Training (1-2 weeks)
What happens:
- Production environment setup
- Data migration from old systems
- User training sessions
- Documentation handover
Your involvement: High. Training and go-live coordination.
Deliverable: Live system and trained users
Phase 6: Support & Iteration (Ongoing)
What happens:
- Bug fixes and support (typically 90 days included)
- Optional ongoing maintenance agreement
- Future enhancement planning
Total Timeline
Most custom software projects take 3-6 months from kickoff to go-live. Complex systems may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline estimate before starting.
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