Software Design and Development

“We try to keep in mind a saying attributed to Einstein—that everything must be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.” - Time magazine 14 December 1962

Agile: able to move quickly, with skill, and control.

Automation: Successful process automation will streamline daily operations, control exceptions and protect sensitive data. The result will bring clarity to what is complex and build confidence in the automated process. This will greatly increase organizational efficiencies and encourage creative thinking at all levels of operation.

Accessible: Driven by an appreciation of the user experience, we provide process automation software for organizations of all sizes. Utilizing the Agile Development Model, we can design and deliver Configurable, Customizable and Custom solutions. Our technical expertise, eye for visual design and project management philosophies deliver successful automation of the most complex business processes. Our experience with large and small organizations insures a real-world return on investment.

How can your organization benefit from a custom solution? If you require a tailored process and desire use of modern technology, we can provide a solution that will give your organization a level of performance and control that will optimize your current and future operations.

Ortiz Consulting will utilize the latest Microsoft technologies to design and implement a custom, cloud-based solution. This will streamline business processes and protect critical information. Below are (5) keys to a successful custom development project:

1) Business Processes Automation
2) Technology and Architecture Best Practices
3) Ownership and Source Code Control
4) Custom Development Process
5) Project Management

BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION

Ortiz Consulting has successfully automated many complex business processes involving marketing, sales, production, warranty and remanufacturing. The delivered solutions are designed to automate existing processes and improve production rather than introduce new processes.

REDUCED LABOR COSTS
Repetitive manual processes take a significant amount of labor. Automation of these processes will reduce labor equating to immediate cost savings. For example, automating a task that requires five hours of manual intervention can cut that time in half. Thus the 2.5 hours, multiplied by the number of times the process is completed in a cycle, will yield a significant cost savings.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND SHORTER CYCLE TIMES
In an environment where we’re all asked to do more with less, the best method to achieve the desired result will give companies a competitive advantage. Automating processes that are completely or partially manual, will increase production and allow individuals to take on additional tasks.
Time is money. Automation can significantly shorten the processing time of activities such as invoice processing, order processing and change processing. Shorter cycle times will shorten receivable collection times.

REDUCED ERROR HANDLING
There is a high organizational cost associated with fixing a self-inflicted error. Manual processes are prone to human error. Automating these processes will reduce the number of human errors and significantly reduce the number of hours required to fix them.

CONSISTENT PROCESS HANDLING
Consistency comes from having an established procedure and ensuring this procedure is followed every time. Consistency also applies to exceptions and changes which are many times more complex than the standard operating procedures. Automation must allow for and optimize the processes related to exceptions and changes.


TECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE

The rate of advances in technology continues to increase. Modern technology and Cloud-Based Architecture will provide benefits and protections that are difficult to maintain with legacy systems.

CLOUD-BASED ARCHITECTURE
Cloud-based solutions have many advantages over legacy client server based solutions. Some key benefits are:
Backup of database is performed by the host server. This eliminates the need for local backup solutions.
Security is provided by the host server. This moves the responsibility of securing the database from a local firewall and IT resource to the host server which is updated continuously to maintain the latest security levels.
Access to database by employees is unlimited. This eliminates the need for Virtual Private Networks to connect to the database. Users can connect from any internet connection and device.
Performance of database is infinitely scalable. The size and performance of database can be “dialed up” by dynamically increasing the host resources.

LATEST MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGIES
.NET and SQL Server are enterprise level technologies that are commonly used by large organizations. These technologies are actively supported by Microsoft and provide the latest security and performance capabilities. They also provide Cross-Platform integration capabilities.



OWNERSHIP AND SOURCE CODE CONTROL

OWNERSHIP
The client will own the one copy of delivered source code and Ortiz Consulting will own the original source code for delivered software solution. Neither party will attempt to nor complete the resale of the delivered software solution without first offering the other party 50% ownership of the venture. This partnership is ideal because it provides both industry expertise and technical capabilities.

ASSURANCE
Ortiz Consulting agrees to provide direct access to the current source code during and at the completion of development. Ortiz Consulting agrees to provide a weekly status report including completed, work in progress and scheduled work items.

CUSTOM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The processes involved in a custom or semi-custom solution provide overall project control and quality assurances. The development focus insures the successful implantation of core functionality and prioritized enhancements. The development process involving all team members insures quality and reliability of all implemented code.

DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
• Control all mission critical processes
• Enhance and streamline all processes
• Scale Solution to meet future business process requirements

TEAM
Project Management - Requirements, Deliverables, Quality Assurance, Schedule and Acceptance

Design and Consulting - Business Process Improvement and Automation, Core Functionality, Enhancements and Future Planning

Development - Core Functionality and Enhancements

Testing and Quality Assurance - Unit testing, Q/A team user quality assurance testing

Administration and Support - Training / User Help Materials, Implementation and Support



PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The success of a custom or semi-custom software development project is determined by the benefits realized after the software is in use. These benefits and the real-world user experience will change the definitions of future enhancements. The core mission critical functionality must be successfully implemented before all other development. Each new phase of development will build on the successes of the completed and implemented phases.

CORE MISSION CRITICAL FUNCTIONALITY
The mission critical functions are what must be in place to begin using the new solution. All must operate properly when the solution goes live.

PROJECT PHILOSOPHIES
Ortiz Consulting practices the Staged Delivery Project Management philosophy. This philosophy identifies a short and long term strategy, core requirements, related systems, and enhancements. The initial project includes the design and development of the core system to handle immediate needs while preparing for future enhancements and long term goals. All enhancements are held for a future development phase.

This philosophy results in a more controllable project and deliverables that meet the core requirements. This allows the critical functionality to be implemented efficiently. The non-critical functionality can then be re-assessed and prioritized for the next phase of development.
The overall benefit for the client is a successful, focused project delivering projected schedules, costs and functionality while minimizing unutilized development.


BENEFITS OF STAGED DELIVERY
1. Critical Functionality Is Available Earlier
2. Risks Are Managed Early
3. Problems Become Evident Early
4. Reduced Project Overhead and Life Cycle

RELATIONSHIPS
Ortiz Consulting will work with client's staff throughout a project to insure all development and technologies meet the client's internal IT requirements and to provide a clear understanding of the delivered system.
Ortiz Consulting will deliver solutions based on high quality, customer service and a real-world return on investment. A long-term business relationship is the goal.

COMMUNICATION
Ortiz Consulting provides status updates at regular intervals and communicates any questions or issues throughout the project. Ortiz Consulting believes that good communication is crucial to the success of a project including timely completion and final acceptance.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Ortiz Consulting has the experience and knowledge to offer and successfully implement solutions that involve multiple platforms and technologies. This results in solutions that precisely meet a business requirement without limit due to technical requirements or limitations.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS

    1. Project Overview - Project outline with priority and status
    2. Work Item List - Detailed list of work items including developer assignment, priority and hour estimate
    3. Enhancement Requirement Document - Detailed development specifications for each work item.

WORK ITEM PRIORITY AND COMPLETION DATE
New Work Item with priority based on existing list. New Work Items are added during initial project phase planning based on current plan and known issues. New work items added as needed.

List priority and target completion date changes. As new items are added, their priority and existing item priorities are changed based on the overall list. Ortiz Consulting will adjust priorities based on overall project goals and current critical requirements.

Priority Determining Factors (Highest to Lowest):
• Bug Fix
• Accurately Capture Data
• Accurately Present Data
• Process Automation
• Reporting and Analysis
• Process Streamline
• Enhancement


PROJECT CHALLENGES

Communication and Confirmation
Project delays can be minimized by timely responses to specification questions and clarifications.

Priority Levels
Priority levels often change and new priorities are set without considering priority of all work items.

Changing Requirements
Requirements and specifications often change during the life of a project. The project plan and development process must allow for and adapt changes.

Testing
Multiple levels of testing ensure successful implementation of new development. The testing levels are development team unit testing, Q/A team user quality assurance testing, and onsite beta testers.

3rd Parties
The addition of and changes to 3rd party applications require unplanned development and support.



Where to begin:

How to Purchase:
1. Contact our sales team
2. Schedule an on-site assessment of core requirements and non-critical enhancements
3. Identify options and create a preliminary design including 3rd party integrations
4. Estimate Project by Phase (a minimum of two phases for Mission Critical and Enhancements)
5. Schedule a target delivery date

Implementation Process:
1. Development of core functionality to control all mission critical processes
2. Development of enhancements to streamline all processes
3. Data migration
5. Testing and Data Verification
6. Training

Support Process:
1. After successful implementation we will support your
system per your annual support agreement.
2. Additional support and training available as-needed