How to write a software requirement brief
 Preparing for a new website or bespoke software project can seem daunting. It's common that you're not sure what you want and, even if you do, sometimes it's difficult to get the message across to the solution provider you're working with. With this in mind we've outlined some essential suggestions for writing an effective brief for your project.
Start with your objectives
What do you want your software or website to do? List your requirements in descending order of importance, be clear and succinct where possible. e.g.:
- Manage my clients information more effectively
- Automatically produce invoices on a regular basis
- Handle enquiries from my website more efficiently
Provide some business background
Provide as much information regarding your business background as possible and explain why you feel a new software solution may help your business. This will help the solution provider to understand your needs in more detail and therefore provide a more refined proposal.
Be prepared to discuss budgets
A good solution provider will ensure that your requirements can be met by the budget you have set aside. If your requirements exceed your budget the provider will work with you to explain why you need to increase your budget, or alternatively work through your requirements to see what is essential and what can be removed.
Don't worry about the company artificially inflating it's prices to match your budget, once you have a selection of quotes you will soon be able to identify if this is the case.
Have a timescale in mind
Be realistic when it comes to your timescale. Factor in the time required to test any new software or website and ensure that everything is acceptable before "going live". A good supplier will be honest with you regarding your timescale from the outset, and be wary of any supplier that says "YES!" to everything as the chances are they're not being up front.
Specific Instructions
Requesting references and a cost breakdown should be standard procedure when you're looking for a software development service provider. You should also inform the supplier of any existing systems you currently use and let them know if you are going require your data to be moved in to the new software.
Questions you should ask a prospective supplier
- Are there any off-the-shelf products that will fit my requirements as an alternative to creating something from scratch?
- Will you provide a specification before work begins? (The answer should be YES!)
- How long will this project take?
- How will you require payment?
- How is training provided?
- What costs will be involved in adding extra functionality at a later date?
We hope that you've found this information of use. Please contact info@atlascs.co.uk if you would like to know more! |
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