Developing an effective set of requirements is a highly complex process,
requiring the time and experience of a team of talented professionals.
Decisions made at this early stage have an enormous impact on the success
of the project. Investment here is consistently paid back in more effective
designs, timely delivery, and reduced overall project costs. It drives the
subsequent design and build phases by carefully defining the specific goals
to be met. It is critical that a mutual understanding exists about the
requirements and is agreed to before the actual design work proceeds.
This approach minimizes redesign and keeps the project on track to successful completion. Typically, system or product features and functions are allocated to specific mechanical, electronic, and/or software partitions. These requirements are documented and presented to the customer as a Preliminary Design Document, then reviewed with them to be sure they fulfill expectations. Rough schematics may be drawn, complex mechanical features sketched, software architectures and algorithms proposed, and any other project critical items identified for risk assignment and abatement. Once the project requirements are approved, we are normally able to provide a cost estimate for the Detailed Design and Build/Test phases of the project along with an estimated schedule and milestones.
