Agile Methodology
PCS has used structured development and implementation methodologies for the past thirty years its been in business. Over the years we explored and used the older waterfall methodologies moving to incremental methodologies in the nineties and now we are experts in the use of Agile methodologies. We do not follow the rigid Agile manifesto. We adapt our methodology to suit the unique requirements of each customer project. PCS uses a structured project implementation methodology that leverages Agile and is tailored for each customer or their industry.
Project work streams are split into planned activities, with quantified deliverables during and at the end of each project activity. The methodology deliverables are tailored for each customer implementation. The key takeaway is that we break‐up the Analysis, Prototyping/Configuration, Development and Testing phases into iterations following the Agile methodology, however our iterations or sprints may be elongated or shortened to better suit the customer or industry.
Each iteration or sprint may be defined with customer input as varying from three weeks to eight weeks. The customer’s choice drives the size of the iteration/sprint based upon the quantum of resources they are able to provide towards the project effort. As a rule of thumb, smaller iterations (four weeks or less – classic Agile) provide higher visibility of the deliverable and more control but generate additional project management and testing overhead. For example, if the requirements are found to be incomplete, they may be corrected and resubmitted. In our methodology re‐submitted iterations could be smaller than the base iteration. We utilize our own set of tools that were built explicitly for delivering large Application Transformation programs to our customers. Our Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Portal is a major differentiating factor in delivering successful implementations. It is offered as a value‐added service at no extra cost to our customers. This feature‐rich PPM Portal includes a robust program/project management capability, service desk/ticket management, task status and time reporting, document management, problem reporting and release management. We leverage a vast array of project templates and controls to get started quickly. The PPM Portal was built to conform to PMI and ITIL guidelines, ensuring very high levels of service. We are very disciplined and results‐focused. Milestones are set for each activity and tracked to successful closure. Reporting is generated automatically by our PPM Portal for immediate review of the status of each project and its tasks. All project team members involved in customer implementation including third party integrators or implementation companies work together in a collaborative manner using our PPM Portal. This helps us delivery our customers projects on time and on budget.