Custom built software

Every business is unique and sometimes 'off the shelf' systems do not fulfil your exact needs. This is when it makes sense to consider engaging the Deloitte Digital team to build custom software to solve your problem. 

Deloitte Digital has a number of clients who had challenging business requirements that required ingenious software solutions. Bespoke software was the only option.

Our analysts and developers listen carefully to our clients' needs and ask questions to ensure that they really understand the business and what makes it tick. It's this attention to detail that gives us the confidence that we can deliver cost-effective software solutions that meet our clients' requirements and ensure an excellent return on investment.

Our skills

Over the years, the Deloitte Digital development team has gained experience and skills in different areas of the software industry with the following being a number of technologies we are experienced with amongst others.

Our approach

Project initiation

When Deloitte Digital commences a new project, the very first step consists of setting up a multidisciplinary software development team, including specialists in:

• Project management.
• Development, including systems analysis and software design.
• Design (visual and user friendliness).
• Hosting and technical IT experts.

Analysis

This phase is aimed at providing the strategic technical and functional "blueprint" for the solution implementation. To ensure the success our dedicated project managers use the following tools:

• Project initiation kick-off meeting.
• Risk assessment workshop.
• Quality plan workshop - to build an outline for the development work that is to take place in the next phase.

A key deliverable of this phase is the Analysis & Design document which outlines requirements, best practices, and project plans.

Design and development

Once the team has been formed and briefed, it is essential to immediately involve the users in the discussion, in order to determine requirements and tap into their knowledge about system goals and needs (the "conceptual analysis"). The project team sets up brainstorming and fact-finding sessions with any relevant stakeholders including:

• Client users - the people in the organisation who will be operating the system and are ultimately responsible for its success. The input of this group of users is fundamental for the design of the software application leading the users to own the tool rather than implying to use it.
• Third parties - other people both inside and outside the organisation who have an interest in the system.

At the end of this phase, our team will prepare a number of deliverables for client review and approval including:

• Business requirements.
• System design and architecture blueprint.
• User interface prototypes.

Project management and quality assurance

A dedicated project manager will be assigned to the project and lead the software development process. The project manager will ensure proper project planning and the day to day management of the activities, timelines, and deliverables.  All our project managers are PRINCE2 certified and are trained and experienced in the planning, design, build and implementation phases of the development of both small and large custom software development projects. They are chosen for this role because they have leadership skills, commitment, technical expertise and the ability to effectively communicate with the clients. 

Our approach focuses on addressing project risks and ensuring that the work effort is managed effectively and solution critical knowledge is transferred to the appropriate resources throughout the project.

Documentation

Deloitte Digital will present clients with final system documentation, system user manuals, and final peer review/code walkthroughs. This phase will also be used to monitor system performance, define key performance indicators and ensure system performance is meeting expected targets.

Deployment

Deloitte Digital will ensure that the system is eventually deployed in a very smooth manner, minimising any disruption of the day-to-day business tasks. Each deployment is tailored to the business needs and availability and any migration or parallel running of the system will be planned beforehand with the client.