|
|
|
|
|
In the past, custom applications formed the majority of enterprise systems portfolio. However, over the last decade, proprietary custom systems have been replaced by packaged applications, primarily due to increased cost of maintaining those applications and rapid expansion of enterprise business needs. Although custom applications form only about 30% to 40% of enterprise application portfolio, they represent key differentiation of the business from others in the industry.
Today, custom applications are used for those requirements where either packaged applications are not available or do not closely meet requirements. Examples include order management and pricing, product design and development systems, customer service system - to support key business strategies. In addition, legacy applications that are deeply embedded in the enterprise continue to exist because they are too expensive to replace or have proprietary capabilities that enable competitive advantage.
|
|
|
|
| Challenges and Opportunities |
|
|
|
Custom Applications can be very effective in creating competitive advantage. With the evolution of web-based application tools that enable rapid development, cross platform integration and thin-client architectures - custom applications have become more cost effective to enhance productivity, cut cost and enable new ways of generating revenue. While packaged applications enable rapid deployment of capabilities, they have limitations of offering limited set of features and functionality that is common across the industry and/or application domain. Businesses must complement package applications with proprietary customized applications specific to their strategies and differentiate themselves from others with similar applications.
However, it is important to avoid common pit-falls such as scope-creep, analysis/paralysis, poor architecture and design, disconnect between the business needs and application functionality, lack of standardization and processes, etc. |
|
- Simplify and standardize applications platforms and environment
- Implement strong component based technical architecture to promote reuse, and improve flexibility and maintainability
- Implement consistent UI architecture to leverage variety of interfaces such as wireless devices, mobile devices, web, inter/intra enterprise integration, etc.
- Implement strong development processes that reliably deliver results by maintaining a good balance between too much process and too little process
- Focus on small 3-6 month projects that deliver results progressively and continually verify their business objectives
- Implement a team model that leverages internal, external and offshore resources to cost effectively assemble teams just-in-time
|
|
- End-to-End development of custom applications
- Transaction Applications
- BI Applications
- Web-Based Applications
- Responsibility for development phase, e.g. design, development, testing, roll-out, support
- Platform Migration and Redevelopment
|
|
Our solutions development methodology leverages evolving industry standards proposed by the leaders such as Microsoft, James Martin and SEI. We focus on the quality deliverables and deadlines while overcoming analysis paralysis.
Our approach is systematic and structured, yet efficient and cost effective. We achieve this by focusing on clear understanding of requirements (via data modeling and prototype), technology (via pilots and research) and total scope of the project. Quality monitoring and client communication are other key elements of our approach. |
|
- Client facing team with complete responsibility for delivery
- Focus on UI and technical architecture that delivers quality, productivity and low cost
- Development processes for efficient scalability of development teams
- Quality processes to ensure client objectives are met
- Breadth and depth of capabilities across technology and industry domains
- Integration of offshore resources using virtual team models to reduce cost of development
- Tailored engagement options to benefit high-commitment relationships
|
|
|
|
Ph: 630.652.0450
Fx: 630.652.0960
|
All product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
|
1900 S. Highland Avenue, Suite 105
Lombard, IL 60148
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|