We’ve got a map. And directions. Our Success Roadmap is a clearly defined process with defined roles, responsibilities and timelines. Our project methodology brings simplicity and structure to our combined tasks. Utilizing the ATG9 Commerce Module as the foundation for development, VSG has developed an implementation approach that focuses the efforts of the project team on 1) configuring the ATG product components to deliver the “out-of-the-box” functionality, and 2) designing and implementing the custom application and integration components. In performing our implementation efforts in this way, the client gains the maximum value of ATG’s product at the lowest amount of effort or cost.

Our recommended approach for implementation consists of six phases: Project Scope, Business Requirements, Systems Requirements, Build, Test and Deployment phases. Final documentation and knowledge transfer are deployment activities. What follows is a description of each phase with key activities and associated deliverables.

Project Scope Phase The focus on this phase will be to identify all items related to Priorities, Scope, Roadmap, Scheduling and Budget using feedback from the initial discussions and the clients own requirements specifications as a starting point. The VSG objective will be to define a scope and plan that delivers significant business value within the time and cost requirements required by the client.

Business Requirements Phase The Business Requirements Phase will involve a detailed information exchange between the client and the VSG project team to define the functional requirements of the site and prepare a gap analysis to “out-of-the-box” ATG functionality. This phase will a align VSG services and ATG’s product features with client needs and communicate detailed project expectations. The following deliverables may be created within this phase: Functional Specifications: This documents the key functional requirements along with templates of the primary interface design that will be addressed by the solution and establishes an initial solution framework for how these requirements will be met. All items are delivered to the field level and include all user actions, process flows and integration points. Preliminary Technical Requirements: This document describes the technical infrastructure-related restrictions and constraints into which the solution must fit, including hardware, software, capacity, performance, scalability, portability, availability, and data recovery.

Technical Design Phase The VSG project team will design the detailed elements of the ATG solution for any data models, extensions and enhancements to the core platform, as well as the completion of the technical architecture specifications and integration points. A detailed project plan for the implementation phase will be also prepared.The length of this phase will depend on the scope of the requirements and complexity of the integrations. The deliverables from this phase include: Detailed Architecture and Design Specification: A document that builds on the Preliminary Technical Requirement and contains detailed descriptions of how the features will be implemented along with all required information for custom efforts.

Build Phase During this phase, the e-commerce solution will be built based on the information gathered during the Business and Technical Design phases. Some of the tasks that will be performed during this phase include: code development, system integration, code reviews, performance tuning, bug resolution, ATG development, media production, content creation, and unit testing. Additionally, the VSG team will create test plans with the client to insure functional requirements are being completed to specifications. Any changes in requirements that arise during the Build Phase will be subject to an agreed-upon change control process. The deliverables from this phase include: E-commerce application ready for pre-deployment: Fully functional application set including integrations. Quality Assurance Plan: A plan that includes a schedule for QA testing, documentation review, regression testing, and final release.

Testing Phase During this phase, the entire e-commerce solution will be quality-control and performance tested according to the QA plan finalized during the Implementation phase. The client will perform Acceptance testing while VSG will provide bug fixes and tuning enhancements. The deliverables from this phase include: E-commerce site fully tested and ready for deployment.

Deployment Phase During the Deployment Phase, VSG will collaborate with the client to prepare the solution for deployment across staging and production systems. VSG and the client will test the application in production before going live and fine-tune for performance prior to final release. Following Deployment, the technical project manager will review all documentation and training materials for completeness and present to the client as required. Various resources may conduct a series of training sessions during which time several business and technical items will be reviewed at any level of detail. These sessions may include process discussions, functional demonstrations and training sessions. The deliverables include: Knowledge Transfer Sessions: These will be onsite and/or webcast sessions during which time the clients resources will have a chance to review the functional application, system architecture and ATG modules with the VSG team.

This process keeps us all on track and insures outstanding results!