Services We Offer

Iterative Prototyping

Syncro has developed an approach to Iterative Prototyping that is the fastest and most effective means of helping our clients design new user interfaces and workflows. Using advanced development tools, we’ll create a series of screens to represent the layout of your new UI. If you wish, Syncro can propose alternative graphic approaches to help you select the best look and feel for your product.

Since the prototype screens are interactive, you’ll experience the actual workflow of the new system. During this stage, gaps in basic requirements will become evident. Changes to be prototype can be made quickly, therefore it’s easy to modify workflow in order to ensure the ideal user experience.

Iterative Prototyping can also be used for technical feasibility analysis. For example, if there are open issues related to timing considerations or untested interfaces, Syncro engineers will create a prototype to test alternative options and help decide the best course of action.

Use Cases

While prototyping is taking place, Syncro will develop Use Cases – a structured series of ‘what-if’ scenarios describing system behavior. Our clients have found Use Case analysis to be very helpful in teasing out hidden requirements.

Requirements Documentation

Once the requirements have been finalized, Syncro will create the Software Requirements Specification (SRS). The SRS will become the basis for the design and development of your new product. It will take into account the results of reviews, UI Prototyping, Use Cases, and other documents.

Syncro’s Senior Engineering staff are called in at this stage to create the overall software “blueprint” for your new product. Their work takes into consideration the latest technologies available, and is informed by your design goals and constraints.

Oftentimes, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) is used to develop a graphical representation of the design. These UML diagrams are then used during joint design reviews in which we present the proposed architecture to you and your staff for feedback. Once the general and detailed design work is completed and reviewed with the client, we’re ready to move into the implementation phase.

During this phase, your Syncro team is expanded to complete the coding and documentation. Depending on your needs, we can take on the entire effort, or split the work with your internal team.

To ensure that development is tracking to your expectations, we schedule periodic code reviews -- both internally at Syncro and with you. We’ll provide intermediate deliverables for your review throughout the implementation phase. That way, you’ll maintain close control over the development effort, and can confirm that features and functions are operating as expected.

All code is unit tested prior to being released to you for review. Our staff will support you in whatever way is needed during integration test.

In general, our expectation is that the client will support the new product once it’s released to the market. Therefore, we take great care in thoroughly documenting the code. Of course, if assistance is needed after market release, Syncro can be available to help.

Your Syncro Technical Project Manager (TPM) has three main responsibilities:

Primary Client Liaison

In the role of client liaison, the TPM’s objective is to keep you well informed, and therefore in control of the project. We strive to strike the right balance between operating independently and keeping you well informed. As described above, your TPM will meet with you at the outset of the effort to complete the Project Plan. At this time, key decisions are made about process, tools, etc.

Communication begins with a weekly Progress Report, which summarizes accomplishments during the prior week, plans for the upcoming week, and a discussion of issues that may be impeding progress. Of course, ad hoc emails, phone calls, or meetings take place as needed.

Schedule and Budget Oversight

We understand that schedule and budget are critically important. Your Syncro TPM closely manages the effort using Microsoft Project Server. The schedule is updated weekly, and is available to you at any time. Throughout the project, the TPM strives for maximum efficiency. Higher-risk tasks are prioritized, workarounds are coordinated to compensate for inevitable project changes, and staff levels are optimized for peak productivity.

The weekly Progress Report (mentioned above) also includes a summary of hours used, and a forecasted +/- variance from budget based on progress to date. Your Syncro TPM will work closely with you to minimize the effects of requirements changes, technical discoveries, etc. on the project's budget and schedule.

Technical Coordination

Because all of our TPMs are experienced software engineers, they are actively engaged in technical leadership of each project they oversee. This begins with staffing your project with a team that brings the best blend of technical expertise. Once the project is underway, your TPM leads coding and design reviews, and plays a key role in troubleshooting technical hurdles.