Documentation

One of the most critical components of any engagement is having correct and accurate documentation. It allows information to be distributed efficiently between all parties, without incurring the cost of repeated person-to-person communication. It also helps to clearly define the scope and objective of the engagement providing the client and the software developers with clear objectives and guidelines.

Enigma Interactive provides specialised documentation services for government, business and individuals needing to undertake software development or website design activities. As consultants, we can analyse the project, assist in defining the scope and produce the supporting documentation.

The requirements for documentation vary from project to project, but usually we start with a generalised documentation template which we then tailor to suit the specific characteristics of the project. The primary documentation which forms the basis of our general template includes:

• Business and User Requirements
• Describes the requirements of the project (from the perspective of the client).
• Project Agreement
• Defines acceptance criteria derived from the Business and User Requirements, and defines the standards of behaviour (i.e. communication, finance, etc) for all stakeholders.
• Project Development Plan
• Defines the way the project will operate (from a project management perspective). This includes change control / configuration management procedures, risk management, project schedule, testing strategy, etc.
• Software Requirements Specification
• Defines the technical requirements (from an implementation perspective). This includes the software architecture, design, horizontal architecture (performance, reliability, integrity etc).

Supporting documentation is used to help track and control the progress of the project. It is created throughout the duration of the project and in general includes:

• Change control requests
• As changes are requested, they are processed through a formal (yet rapid) procedure that analyses the cost of the proposed change (i.e. conflict with existing system components, changes to schedule, etc), in order to assess the costs versus the benefits.
• Status reports
• These are created on a regular basis to keep the customer up-to-date with the state of the project.

Project Management

We base project decisions on business objects identified by our client. This guarantees that when the product is delivered, it is in line with the direction of the company, and is flexible enough to evolve as the business evolves.

We firmly believe that there is no single ‘magic bullet’ framework for managing projects. For small projects, applying the wrong framework may result in an attempt to implement complicated procedures for what would normally be simple tasks. Conversely, applying a rapid development framework to a large project would simply not be able to cope with risks, requirements, human resource management, or implementation strategy.

Instead, we understand that we must use ‘the right tool for the job’. For small to medium sized projects we apply the Scrum framework, which allows us to manage a project using agile software development practices. It strongly promotes a focus on productivity and development, without getting consumed with unnecessary documentation.

For larger projects we support the more formal and structured project management strategy called Prince2. When we engage with large business or government projects, we are often required to conduct the project in a strict, formal, and traceable manner. By embracing Prince2 methodologies large projects can be managed in a way which minuses risk, and maximises control.

Enigma Interactive provides consulting Project Management services for external engagements. Our experience in managing software development projects of all sizes has given us the expertise to deliver the results on time and on budget.

Commercialisation

Getting your product out the front door and to market is a very big step in the lifecycle of software product development. Marketing, public relations, packaging, product delivery and fulfilment are all critical components of converting a great product into a successful and profitable business.

We can also help you to gain valuable support at a government level. Many government agencies at the federal and state levels provide commercialisation support services to help you get your products established in the local, national and international market places. Enigma Interactive has interfaced with these agencies and programs and can assist you to make the process easier and more productive.

Enigma Interactive has extensive experience in this key transitional phase. Our expertise ranges from local product releases to establishing global software distribution networks.

Some of our commercialisation services include:

• Intellectual property management
• Licensing agreements
• Market research and analysis
• Market entry strategies (local and international)
• eCommerce and product fulfilment
• Government grant assistance
• Product launches
• Brand and packaging development
• Product manufacture

External Consultants

Often there are times when our clients need access to other professionals for services and expertise that we do not provide. Enigma Interactive has developed strong working relationships with key individuals and business in other professions that understand the technology environment like we do.

In addition to our network of industry professionals, we can help you navigate the pathway of government support. Many government agencies at the federal and state levels provide supporting services and assistance to technology companies or companies with innovative technology products. These services can range from export assistance, financial grants, business expertise and mentoring programs and commercialisation support. Enigma Interactive has interfaced with these supporting agencies and can assist you to make the process easier and more productive.

When it comes to engaging with our external partners, we can act as source of referral or we can provide direct assistance and support. Our existing relationship with these partners and our intimate knowledge of your business requirements often accelerates the process and improves the outcome.

Some of the professions and agencies that we can support you with include:

• Chartered accountants
• Legal professionals
• Trademark and patent attorneys
• Advertising agencies

Some of the key government agencies that we can provide assistance with include:

• Austrade
• AusIndustry
• Australian Taxation Office
• Information Industries Bureau
• Industry development
• State development