NexJ Systems’ Implementation Methodology is a proven method for rapidly delivering highly customized and highly integrated, large scale enterprise solutions. This methodology is based on the NexJ team’s years of experience deploying CRM solutions at industry leading clients. It has been updated and refined to reflect the productivity enhancements afforded by the NexJ Application Framework.
The NexJ Implementation Methodology leverages the core components of a traditional “waterfall” project approach, combined with iterative processes to provide the benefits of a more “agile” approach. This combination enables the rapid design, development and deployment of highly scalable and flexible enterprise solutions. During all phases of implementation, the NexJ team works closely with the client project team to deliver clearly defined project objectives and solution requirements.
The NexJ Implementation Methodology consists of the following steps:
- Requirements Analysis and Design
- Configuration
- Integration
- Data Conversion
- Testing
- Training
- Solution Deployment
Requirements Analysis and Design
During this initial step, NexJ works closely with the client to complete the scoping and planning required to deliver a cohesive solution in the required timeframe. NexJ will confirm our understanding of the detailed requirements and draft designs for the functional, technical, configuration, integration, data conversion, testing, training, and deployment requirements. During this step, NexJ also validates the timing, effort, and cost estimates required to complete the project, prior to initiating full-scale development activities. This step concludes when the client provides sign-off on the solution design documentation and Implementation Work Plan.
Configuration
During this step, NexJ configures the NexJ business model to meet the client’s specific requirements. The resulting business model is deployed in multiple “build cycles” to provide a working model of the configured solution, allowing for incremental progress and testing throughout the project. This step will also include all work related to setting up development and integration environments at the client’s location.
Integration
During this step, NexJ will work to integrate the NexJ solution with all other systems that define the client’s overall integrated solution. These could be legacy systems or new systems that are part of the targeted solution.
Data Conversion
During this step, the NexJ team reviews and analyzes the client data to define an approach for data conversion and cleansing. NexJ then loads data in batch from individual source systems into a staging environment and then into the production database using data manipulation scripts, XML schema and/or conversion tools. The converted data is subsequently verified jointly by the client and NexJ project teams.
Testing
Quality assurance and testing activities take place throughout the project, starting with the preparation of a test strategy, test plans and test scripts simultaneously with the beginning of the development process. Testing can be categorized into in four main areas: Functional, Integration, Performance tuning, and User Testing. At the end of User Testing, the client project team will review the test results to provide a sign-off on the solution. The solution will then be moved into the Production environment.
Training
Training is delivered at various times during the project. During the Requirements Analysis and Design step, initial Technical Training and Functional Training sessions are usually delivered, to familiarize members of the client project team with NexJ terminology, tools, and “out of the box” functionality. At the beginning of development activities, more advanced Technical Training is available for client team members who are participating in the Configuration, Integration and/or Data Conversion activities.
NexJ can also work with the client to provide training courses targeted at different audiences. Each course can be tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Solution Deployment
Deployment activities span the entire project timeline, and involve the setup of multiple environments (individual local development environments, Integrated Development, Integrated Testing, Data Conversion Testing, Performance Testing, User Testing, and Production). Deployment activities are iterative throughout the build cycles, and involve knowledge transfer to client / third party resources.
