There are several key sections to include in your bespoke software development project plan. The software development planning process tends to be complex, tedious, and time-consuming – especially working with larger, enterprise-grade projects.
Unfortunately, most software projects fail due to a lack of proper planning. AI software developers should know how to draft a formal, well-written procedural project plan. This way, you can organize your work, accurately forecast timelines, and increase user engagement post-deployment.
To get started now, read on to learn about the most important sections to include in your software development project plan.
1. Services to Be Provided
The first and most prominent section of your software development project plan should highlight the services to be provided. In this section, outline all the development work you will be providing the client. In short, you want to outline the project scope being delivered.
Within this section, include as much detail as possible. Ultimately, this will protect both you and your client from process disputes. Additionally, you should also include requirements for changing the project scope. This is good practice to have clearly specified in writing.
After all, clients often request more work during the process. Indeed, the services to be provided are the main section to include in your custom software development project plan.
2. Needed Development Tools
Next, you need to include all the needed software development tools in your bespoke programming plan. Custom software projects require a variety of different programming tools, resources, and supporting technologies.
Many developers use a Helm repository by JFrog to leverage high availability, massively scalable enterprise storage, and fine-grained access control. These universal solutions support complete automation with JFrog CLI and REST API. If you plan on using these utilities, clearly document them within your software project plan.
This way, development teams can prepare to install all the necessary resources prior to development. Surely, the necessary development tools are one of the most important sections to include in your software project plan.
3. System Requirements
Also, include all the software system requirements your project must accommodate. Software development projects need to meet precise requirements on three fundamental levels. First, they must support the requirements of the business the software is being developed for.
In addition, software must meet standards specified by target users and the general market. The third level of requirements concerns the system itself. This refers to how the software must meet specific functionality specs in order to operate properly.
Absolutely, include clear, specific system-level requirements within your custom software development project plan.
4. Timeline of Deliverables
Additionally, a custom software development project plan should clearly outline a timeline of all the deliverables. Attach a specific deadline to every deliverable associated with the project.
This will help you better allocate resources, delegate responsibilities, and estimate release dates. Plus, it makes it easier to estimate final costs and prepare budgets. Ultimately, this can help you save time and provide clients with an accurate estimate for project completion.
Certainly, include a timeline of various deliverables within your custom software development project plan.
5. Post-Deployment Support
If you plan on offering the client any post-deployment software support, include it within your project plan. During this phase, you’ll need your support team to work closely with external stakeholders and end-users. They should also conduct beta user testing and feedback cycles and run focus groups.
Of course, there are specific costs attached for offering this post-release service. Therefore, it should be clearly reflected in the final project cost. Then, you can attach a fixed number of hours of overall client support that will be available. Definitely, include post-deployment support information in your custom software development project plan.
There are several core sections to include in your written software development project plan. First and foremost, your plan should include a definition of the project scope and all the services to be provided. Next, specify all the development tools, programming resources, and supporting technologies you’ll need throughout the process.
You’ll also want to include a clear breakdown of all the system-level requirements that must be accommodated. Specify business, market, and system-level requirements to ensure everything is covered. Additionally, include a specific timeline of deliverables. This will help with release date estimation and budgeting for business.
Towards the end of your action plan, including all the post-deployment support you offer your clients. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the most important sections to include in your software development project plan.
