Lowry has standardized its process for investigating, quoting,
designing, and implementing customer-specific systems. The following is a
list of each step involved in the system design, development and implementation process.
Investigation and Proposal
During this phase of the process, Lowry investigates the customer’s needs
and looks at the customer’s current system (if any). The customer’s goals are
defined, concepts defined, and constraints identified. This is typically done with
site visits with key individuals and phone interviews. Once complete, a proposal is
provided to the customer with general recommendations and hardware solutions.
System Design Documentation
Once the system proposal has been accepted, additional investigation is done
to review all of the previously gathered information and to look into possible
ways of developing a solution that will exactly fit the customer’s needs.
Every detail of the current system (if any) is looked into and analyzed prior
to developing a system plan. Once all of the proposed system aspects have been
thoroughly laid-out, all of the information is entered into a Design Document
and submitted to the customer for approval. This documentation provides the customer
with virtually everything about the proposed application.
Application Development
After the customer accepts the Design Document, any custom software that
is needed can be developed at this point. The development of the application
is done in accordance with the supplied Design Document. A certain amount of
testing is done on the application prior to installation at the customer site.
It is not uncommon for the customer to make suggestions as to how to “tweak” the
software for maximum effectiveness, and this is handled through Lowry’s change management
procedures.
System Installation and Testing
Finally, after all of the software has been developed or purchased
(if applicable), then the entire system is installed at the customer site
and tested. In particularly large or complex systems, a Pilot implementation
is done prior to a full system roll-out. Pilot systems are scaled-down implementations
that use a representative portion of the system hardware and software. Any difficulties
are ironed-out in this phase, and the system is then completely implemented.
Documentation and Training
After everything is installed, tested, and running in accordance with
customer’s expectations, the optional service of system documentation and training
is developed and provided to the customer. This documentation is also used in training
all of the individuals involved with the system. Training can be done with a representative
body of the end-user base, or with all of the users involved. This determination is
decided by the customer.
Follow-up
After the system is installed and all of the end-users are trained, Lowry follows-up with
the customer to make sure that the system matches the expected results. At this time,
changes to the system are identified and implemented if applicable.
