Businesses have been spending more on enterprise software development over the last decade. In fact, global enterprise software spending was at $225.51 billion in 2009, and the figure jumped to $405 billion in 2018, according to Statista. And this is for good reason; enterprise software provides a host of benefits to companies, including new revenue avenues, streamlined work processes and more engaged employees.
The enterprise software development process is different from company to company, but there are some guiding tenets that apply to businesses in every industry. Following these software development process best practices is key to successfully developing an enterprise software solution.
The Right Team and Resources
A strong enterprise software development process begins with having the right people and resources in place. A good developer will ensure that work is given to the correct people and effectively train your team in using the software.
In addition, be sure you invest in the necessary tools by checking that you have the right PCs, updating your hardware, implementing the right development and testing platforms and rolling out any automated tools you will need. Ensuring that all of these items are in place will lead to a leaner, more functional development process.
Defining Goals for Your Enterprise Software
Identifying the goal for your enterprise software will help you determine how to approach the development process. Your team knows its business objectives better than anyone else, but your developer can help you refine these goals and, ultimately, bring them to life.
During this stage, you will also want to determine your software’s projected timetable. The average software development process takes 4 to 9 months to complete, with the design process taking 2 to 4 weeks, planning and architecture taking 3 to 6 months and the testing phase taking 3 to 6 weeks. Be realistic with your deadlines; it’s better to end up with time to spare than to scramble to complete the project on time.
By identifying the milestones you hope to achieve in the development process, such as the timeline for perfecting a key feature, you can mitigate risk and end up with stronger software in the long run.
Software Testing and Documentation
A list of enterprise software development best practices wouldn’t be complete without proper testing. The testing process involves planning which tests to use, creating these tests, then actually testing the functionality, look and feel of the software.
Testing the app is not something that should only happen at the end of the software development process; it should be implemented from the beginning. Having a test reporting system in place that monitors any defects or inefficiencies at all times will optimize the entire development process. Continual testing also saves money, as going back and fixing the whole application at the end of the development process is time-consuming and expensive.
Finally, a strong piece of software needs the right documentation to support it. Your team should have the project plan, functionality requirements, test plans and reports and user documentation. Having these documents in hand makes it easier to track the software’s progress and can be used as a reference point for future updates.
The Importance of Following Enterprise Software Development Best Practices
Your enterprise software should ultimately provide value to its users by improving how they conduct their work, increasing the efficiency of their operations and reducing costs. Plus, the app should make your business more efficient and streamline operations from top to bottom. With these benefits, enterprise software is a worthy investment for a company.
In order to develop the right piece of enterprise software for your business, you need the right development team by your side. 7T is well-versed in the enterprise software development process. We’ll work hard to create an application that meets and exceeds your company’s needs and expectations. Plus, we provide services related to many emerging technologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain and natural language processing.
7T has headquarters in Dallas, but we also work with people in Austin, Houston, and beyond. To discuss your enterprise software project, please contact us today.
