To better illustrate how Saga Technologies’ quality-driven approach is translated into action, below is a typical progression of the processes, objectives and deliverables that we implement within each stage of a project.

1. Initiation Phase

Action
Our project managers and analysts interview the client to gain an in-depth understanding of existing and desired business processes, as well as the prevalent environment in which they occur. Substantial independent research is also conducted prior to the initial meeting to gain insight into the client's business line and industry.

Objective
At this stage, our goal is to clearly define the scope of the project. From this knowledge, we can also determine the level of effort and resources involved, as well as draft a top-level schedule.

Deliverable
We present a detailed proposal that includes an outline of the tools, technologies, components, deliverables and milestones associated with the project. This proposal also outlines the tasks involved and the estimated time frame required for each item.

2. Requirement Elaboration

Action
Our project managers and analysts conduct additional in-depth interviews with the client to gather more details for a User Requirement Document (URD).

Objective
To gather all user needs and translate them into actionable requirements.

Deliverable
A URD is generated and submitted to the client for approval.

3. Analysis & Design

Action
Meetings are conducted with the stakeholders, existing systems are reverse engineered, and technical/ business documentation is analyzed. Critical business and data modeling tasks are performed at this stage in preparation for later stages.

Objective
These tasks enable us to determine system functions, architecture, user interface needs, required reports, object model, data structures, communication and interface protocols and system performance and system acceptance criteria. These allow us to finalize a project plan with more accurate schedules and costs.

Deliverable
A Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document is generated and submitted to the client.

4. Construction

Action
Programmers begin the coding process using the established specifications. Testers prepare the test plan, test cases and scripts.

Objective
To develop and implement the actual system including coding, UI construction, database implementation and other component deliverables.

Deliverables
In this stage, code is delivered as it is developed. A test plan and acceptance testing criteria are also submitted, along with regular project plan updates as they occur.

5. Quality Control

Action
The finished software is submitted to the internal quality control team for in-depth testing. The software is tested against the final requirements document to ensure that no feature was left unaddressed. The software then undergoes another series of tests to include functional testing, unit testing, user acceptance testing and load/stress testing.

Objective
To pass user acceptance testing and prepare the software for release to production.

Deliverables
This stage produces the following: testing reports, installation program and instructions, data conversion utilities (if required) and a user training plan.

6. Deployment

Action
After approval, we install the final product onto customer-designated server(s) and workstations. A final re-test is performed to ensure proper functioning before transitioning maintenance to the designated maintenance personnel.

Objective
Since this is the stage in which we unveil the finished product to all users, our goal is to install and configure the system so that it functions smoothly and properly. Success at this stage validates our top-level company objective of delivering a high-quality product that meets our client's business requirements, on time and on budget.

Deliverable
The primary deliverable at this stage is a high quality production system that satisfies the client. In addition, we will also provide labor and status reports as needed, system and source code documentation and a user’s guide and/or context-sensitive help, if required.

7. Maintenance and Support

The Saga development team will continue to support the customer after installation, and also provide a 3-month warranty, during which we will eliminate any bugs found, free of charge. We will also provide further maintenance of the system if required.