9 Things to Consider When Starting Your Next Development Project

It’s time for your big development project, but first you should understand how to make your experience the best it can possibly be. We’ve done countless Custom Development projects over our 25 years and we would like to share our knowledge with you in order to help make your experience more worthwhile. This list gives you some suggestions that you can use to make your next development project go as smooth as silk.

Tip #1 – Determine Your (Projects) Workflow Process

Determine the methodology behind your project; it is important that this is decided on early in the process. There are many types of workflow designs, i.e. Agile, Waterfall, Incremental, Cleanroom, Spiral, etc., which is why careful consideration needs to be placed on the right workflow design for your project. At CoreSolutions, we use an Agile workflow because we feel it provides benefits such as constant testing and short feedback loops for our clients; our two week sprint cycles, followed by a project demo for the client allow for constant communication and satisfied customers. All workflows have their individual benefits and downfalls; this is why choosing the right type for your project can go a long way toward the success of your custom development project.

Tip #2 – Before You Start, Gather Input from All Staff

Often there are many stakeholders in a project and you’ll need input from all of them in order to ensure a consistent vision. Nothing derails a project like scope creep and changing functionality. Everyone who is involved has their own needs & opinion to bring to the table and if everyone is given the opportunity to speak their mind, the project will have a much more cohesive end-result. And, a much happier you!

Tip #3 – Plan for the Future

Create a project that is future-proof. You don’t want to create your project and in two years it becomes outdated and you have to redesign. Build something with both a modern design and something that has longevity.

Tip #4 – Use Incremental Building

If unchecked, some projects may gain a life of their own and become much more overwhelming than originally anticipated. However, if managed correctly, the project can become a success in terms of both, project functionality and overall client approval. Incremental building lets you properly lay the foundation and allows your concept to healthily grow into the project you originally envisioned.

Tip #5 – Determine the Best Timing

Is now really the best time to start your project? Will your computers need to be upgraded? Are all of yours resources ready? Do you need other hardware or software to make this work? Do you have the proper staffing? Can your budget handle this project? You need to understand that if your budget, time or scope of the project change, all other factors will change along with it. Do not rush your project; plan your resources and time accordingly before you begin.

Tip #6 – Ensure a Comfort Level Throughout

Communication is Key! If there is anything you do not understand, ASK! Constant communication and updates with your team are vital in the custom development process. When using an Agile workflow, among others, you have to meet regularly with your team or project goals will not be accomplished. You have to be comfortable enough with the process in order to ensure there are no miscommunications.

Tip #7 – Testing and Using Throughout

Whether it be yourself or a team member, double-check functionality and design throughout the project. This will help iron out the rough patches as well as create a more unified final project. Some ideas for testing your project include…

•  Schedule demos with your development team to experience the full functionality of your project.


•  Avoid workflows with a testing stages near the end of the process; stick to workflows that allow for constant testing and fine-tuning.


•  Get a second opinion; have users who will be using the custom development project or users who have used similar projects in the past to come test out the functionality and have some input.

Tip #8 – Break Project Down Into 2 Sub-Parts; Need-to-Have and Nice-to-Have

When you are originally planning your project, the potential is endless. There are so many possibilities and, like a kid in a candy store, you are probably full of intrigue and excitement. This is why it is extremely important to manage your Need-to-Haves and Nice-to-Haves. There are a lot of features that would be Nice-to-Haves; however, with the walls of your budget and the ceiling of your timeframe encasing your project, ensuring your Need-to-Haves are in order should be your top priority.

Tip #9 – Build Within Your Budget

Development projects are important. But, so is your well-being. Ensure that you have a determined budget and PLAN ACCORDINGLY! Just because the possibilities are endless does not mean your cheque book is as well.

With these 9 tips, your next Custom Development Project should go as smooth as possible.

Here at CoreSolutions Software, we've been in business for over 25 years and we understand that providing exceptional service and support, alongside our versatile customizable software applications, is what sets us apart from the competition. Our team is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, top quality products, on time and on budget - Guaranteed!

Have any questions or comments? We'd love to chat about your next development project, so call us today at 1-800-650-8882 or fill out a contact us form on our website.

And as always, thanks for reading,