Sdlc Guide

Guide to

the SDLC Process

Version 1.0

June, 2007

Guide to the SDLC Process

© 2007 billgruener.com Page 2 of 23

Confidential and proprietary information. This document, nor any of its content, may be used, copied, stored (in hard copy or electronic form) without written permission from Bill Gruener.

Table of Contents

Introduction to this Guide ................................................................................. 3

Introduction to the SDLC Process.................................................................... 3

What we gain ...................................................................................................... 4

What we accomplish.......................................................................................... 4

The SDLC Phases............................................................................................... 5

Templates and IGs ............................................................................................. 5

How an IG helps you write a deliverable .......................................................... 6

Creating a SDLC deliverable set for your project............................................ 7

Finding and downloading a Template .............................................................. 8

Writing a deliverable from a Template.............................................................. 8

Word formatting tips and tricks ........................................................................ 9

Appendix A ....................................................................................................... 11

Appendix B ....................................................................................................... 21

Appendix C: mSDLC Deliverables by Phase Chart …………………….…......22




Introduction to this Guide This guide intends to help you understand why the SDLC Process helps IT organizations initiate and deploy computer systems using a methodology for documenting and tracking the implementation or installation of software or hardware.

After reading, you will be able to

• use Templates and Instructional Guides (IGs)

• read and use an IG

• create a SDLC deliverable set for your project

• find and download SDLC Templates

• write a deliverable using a Template

• utilize a few simple Microsoft Word (Word) formatting tips and tricks

Introduction to the SDLC Process The SDLC Process is a repeatable, predictable process intended to improve project productivity and system quality and to enhance the management of a computer systems project. A project team produces a set of deliverables—the SDLC deliverable set—which documents both the system design and the validation activities related to implementing or installing the system.




What we gain By instituting and using the SDLC Process, the organization should implement quality systems (according to specifications and with minimal issues) and should incur minimal project waste (cost/schedule overruns, rework).

Many company computer systems must comply with external regulations and industry standards (for example, FDA regulations and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, ISO 9000, SOX controls) and must include validation activities. Therefore, the SDLC Process should help us to act in accordance with these regulations and standards.

What we accomplish In following the SDLC Process, the goal of following is that the project team, the business customers, and senior management can verify and ensure that

• elements of a computer system project are managed

• activities and decisions are documented

• changes to the project and system are controlled

• system bugs and testing variances are resolved and recorded

• what was asked for is delivered




The SDLC Phases The SDLC is divided into five Phases:

• Explore Phase

• Define Phase

• Design and Build Phase

• Test Phase

• Deploy Phase

Each Phase contains a set of deliverables. See the appendices for a table and a chart that match deliverables to Phases.

Templates and IGs For each project, you create a set of deliverables chosen from the Templates available in the Phase folders.

Accompanying each Template is an Instructional Guide (IG), which describes how to write the associated deliverable. For example, the Test Plan IG describes how to write a Test Plan using the file Test Plan – Template.doc.

While every effort has been made to include all the needed information in the IG and provide mostly blank Templates, when writing a deliverable it is best to read the IG side by side with the Template, and in some cases—for example, during the creation of a project Tailoring Plan—it is nearly impossible to understand how to fill out the Template by reading the IG alone; it is necessary to follow along in the Template to fully understand the process.




How an IG helps you write a deliverable An Instructional Guide (IG) provides instructions that help you use the corresponding Template. Note: the sections of an IG do not correspond to the sections of a Template.

This section of the IG … Does this for the deliverable being written …

Introduction Describes the purpose of the deliverable

Activity Description • States when in the SDLC process this deliverable occurs

• Provides a high level summary of the deliverable

• Notes any special circumstances about the deliverable

SDLC Roles Describes who, by functional role, typically writes, reviews, and approves this particular deliverable type

Important: No cross-over of Roles is allowed, which means that a Project Manager cannot be the reviewer of a deliverable they authored.

Process Instructions Describes how to write the deliverable

Useful Inputs Lists other SDLC deliverables that influence this deliverable

Tailoring Guidelines Accounts for special needs related to both the project and deliverable

Note: The Tailoring Guidelines section is the place to provide any specific instructions about

• Excluding parts of the deliverable from this version • Excluding the entire deliverable from the set

The choice to include or exclude sections is based on the characteristics of the project.




Creating a SDLC deliverable set for your project Each project is different and each set of deliverables is different. Approximately 40 deliverables, spanning the five different Phases of the SDLC Process, are available.

There is no absolute minimum or maximum number of deliverables. The number and type of deliverable depends on project size, the necessity for validation, the requirement for compliance, the risks, the business impact, the cost, and other factors. Each SDLC deliverable set is tailored to its respective project.

A project manager can determine the list of deliverables needed for the specific project at hand by undergoing project tailoring, the process of which is outlined in the Tailoring Plan Template (TPT) and Tailoring Plan IG. The output of project tailoring produces the list of documents that is recommended for the given project.

If, after going through the project tailoring exercise, you have any questions either consult your manager or the SDLC Process Owner.




Finding and downloading a Template Use Appendix A or B to identify a deliverable and its Phase folder. Phase folders contain sub-folders. Sub-folder names match deliverable name.

To download a Template from the SDLC Team Site

1. From the company portal, select http://fakeURL.com/sites/training/SDLC/default.aspx

2. In the left pane of SDLC Home, click Documents.

3. Select the Phase folder in which the sub-folder is stored.

4. Select the appropriate sub-folder.

5. Click, or right-click, the desired deliverable to make a copy.

6. Store that copy on your laptop/desktop or on a shared server.

To create a SDLC deliverable set

1. Think through and write a Project Initiation Form (PIF) and Regulatory Assessment Form (RAF) (scopes your project).

2. Complete the Tailoring Plan Template (TPT) (determines and lists the needed deliverables).

3. Write the deliverables listed by the TPT.

Writing a deliverable from a Template 1. Read the associated IG before starting to convert a template to a deliverable.

2. When you need it, ask for help from the SDLC Process Owner.

3. Keep the section headings in the Template.

4. Remove all text in carets (<>).

5. Remove from the beginning of the left caret until the end of the right caret.

6. Insert your text.




Word formatting tips and tricks

To format your deliverable, use these Microsoft Word Styles:

• Body Text, Body Text 2, Body Text 3

• List Bullet, List Bullet 2, List Bullet 3

• Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3

To access Styles

On the Formatting Toolbar, click the Style drop-down list.

Resist the temptation to add your own Style(s)

No real problems occur, but you’ll get confused.

To edit Styles

Use the New Style/Modify Style dialog box.

A rule of thumb about making Word Styles work for you:

Use the

• Menu commands (File, Edit, View, and so forth)

• Style Area (Normal View only)

• Styles and Formatting pane

Using the preceding options allows you to control formatting, but using the icons on the toolbar allows Word to control the formatting.




To get Help with Word

Use any of these sources:

• Help menu

• Box entitled Type a question for help (Northeast corner of Word window)

• Microsoft Office Online

• Help Desk (x4357)

Your Notes:




Appendix A

SDLC Deliverables by Phase

Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Explore Phase

PIF Project Initiation Form • Word document

• Enter text into fields

• Provides initial project information required to determine if project will proceed and estimates resource types, project costs, and schedules.

RAF Regulatory Assessment Form • Word document

• Enter text into fields

• Provides a quick and consistent method for performing a documented assessment of the regulatory significance of the named system

TPT Tailoring Plan Template • Excel worksheet (protected)

• Enter data into designated fields

• Lists the required SDLC deliverables for a project






Define Phase

Business Case • Word document

• Write sections

• Describes total cost and projected benefits to the company given the constraints and assumptions

TCO Total Cost of Ownership • Excel worksheet

• Enter data into designated fields

• Provides analysis of the one-time and ongoing operational costs for the project and Analyzes both external out-of-pocket costs, as well as internal labor costs

Change Impact Plan • Word document

• Complete tables

• Assesses factors in determining the change implementation approach and the method for managing the change

Commitment Chart • Word document

• Complete table

• Supports communication planning and other project management activities

Communications Plan • Excel worksheet

• Enter data

• Identifies people with communication needs; defines intent of communication; outline plan for communicating

Infrastructure Design Requirements

• Word document

• Complete tables






Define Phase

• Highlights the specific infrastructure components needed for project development and system operation

Project Charter • Word document; email message: Portal Messenger article; another announcement mechanism

• Write charter in appropriate medium

• Authorizes the project to exist; legitimize the role of the project manager

Project Plan • Word document

• Write the sections needed

• Charts the course of the project

Project Roles, Norms and Ground Rules

• Word document

• Example only available

Project Schedule • Microsoft Project template

• Enter data

• Sets expectations for project start / finish dates, for resource allocation, for dependencies between the different project activities

Project Snapshot • PowerPoint document

• Modify existing Template

• Use for visual presentation of project progress

Risk Assessment and Management Plan

• Word document

• Write sections; complete table

• Provides a structured approach to identifying both project and system risks






Define Phase

and to planning risk management activities

RACI Roles and Responsibilities • Word document

• Complete the table

• Creates clarity and a common understanding of the decision-making and participative roles of the project stakeholders

Scope Change Management • Word document

• Complete tables

• Specifies how scope changes will be managed and approved

Scope Statement • Word document

• Complete tables

• Describe all aspects of project scope to

• provide a basis for scope management

SLA Service Level Agreement • Word document

• Enter the data; edit as needed

• Provides the basis for managing the relationship between the provider and the customer and maintain and improve service quality

SPA Service Plan Assessment • Word document

• Complete the tables

• Defines the expected service levels and performance criteria

URS User Requirements Specifications

• Word document


• Documents the set of capabilities that






Define Phase

support a user’s need

VMP Validation Master Plan • Word document

• Write the sections with care and detail

• Describes the tasks required to establish, to a high degree of assurance, that a system is performing its intended functions according to pre-defined specifications






Design and Build Phase

Configuration Management Plan

• Word document


• Determines and tracks configuration items that constitute a released system and the processes involved in managing them

Configuration Records Inventory

• Word document or Excel worksheet


• documents the attributes for one of three elements Configuration Items, Components, or System Configuration

Data Migration Plan and Report

• Word document

• Complete tables

• Identifies the steps needed to complete a correct and successful migration; plan can guide a report if a report is needed

Deployment Plan • Word document

• Write sections

• Describes the approach to making a system operational

DDS Detailed Design Specifications • Word template; (Excel worksheet or Visio diagrams may be appropriate)

• Write sections; add other content if needed

• Translates the requirements for a system into a detailed document

FRS Functional Requirements Specifications

• Word document

• Complete the sections

• Describes how the system will perform and







will fulfill the requirements listed in the User Requirements Specification (URS)

IP Installation Plan • Word document

• Write the sections; complete the tables

• Identifies what is to be installed and includes steps required for configuring or making operational: Hardware. Operating system, Storage, Databases, Application(s) / service(s), Other components

OLA Operational Level Agreements • Word document

• Complete the sections

• outlines the roles and the performance targets for every group involved in the delivery of the service

Project Issue Tracking and Management

• Word document; Excel document

• Enter data into tables

• Provides the tools required for effective identification, assessment, and resolution of project issues

Status Report • PowerPoint or Word document

• Edit Template

• Provides a consistent, concise, update primarily meant for discussions or presentations; used for decisions by the project steering committee and/or project sponsor(s)

System Architecture Diagram • PowerPoint or Visio document(s)

• Create new or edit existing examples

• Provides a visual schematic of the system







TP Test Plan • Word document

• Write the sections

• Describes the objectives, scope, approach, and focus of a testing effort; details the type of testing: user acceptance and so forth

TM Traceability Matrix • Excel worksheet

• Enter data as appropriate

• Ensures that each URS requirement and its associated functional specifications are tracked through detail design specifications and are tested during the Testing Phase

Training Plan and Administration

• Word document


• Describes the training needed (if needed) and for whom the training is created






Test Phase

IVR Installation Verification and Report

• Word document


• Verifies that the system was installed as intended and as described in the Installation Plan; provides documented evidence of the transition from intention to installation

Release Checklist • Word document or Excel worksheet

• Enter data

• Ensures completion of all activities and documentation needed for deployment

TS Test Set(s) • Word document


• Indicates that a system has been examined for all its requirements

TPSR Test Plan Summary Report • Word document


• Documents that requirements have been tested; reports on variances found and resolved,; states that the test acceptance criteria have been met






Deploy Phase

Post Implementation Review • Excel worksheet

• Enter data into fields

• Examines expected against actual and asks if project was on-time, on-budget, on-the-mark

Validation Summary Report • Word document


• Describes the results of the actions taken, actions that assure the system is validated according to established practices; captures the entire validation process; documents the test results; provides an analysis and conclusions that support the claim of system validation




Appendix B

SDLC Deliverable Listed Alphabetically

Deliverable Name Acronym Phase

Business Case Define

Change Impact Plan Define

Commitment Chart Define

Communications Plan Define

Configuration Management Plan Design and Build

Configuration Records Inventory Design and Build

Data Migration Plan and Report Design and Build

Deployment Plan Design and Build

Detailed Design Specifications DDS Design and Build

Functional Requirements Specifications FRS Design and Build

Infrastructure Design Requirements Form Define

Installation Plan IP Design and Build

Installation Verification and Report IVR Test

Operational Level Agreements OLA Design and Build

Post Implementation Review Deploy

Project Charter Define

Project Initiation Form PIF Explore

Project Issue Tracking and Management Design and Build

Project Plan Define

Project Roles, Norms and Ground Rules Define

Project Schedule Define

Project Snapshot Define

Regulatory Assessment Form RAF Explore

Release Checklist Test

Risk Assessment and Management Plan Define




SDLC Deliverable Listed Alphabetically

Deliverable Name Acronym Phase

Roles and Responsibilities RACI Define

Scope Change Management Define

Scope Statement Define

Service Level Agreement SLA Define

Service Plan Assessment SPA Define

Status Report Design and Build

System Architecture Diagram Design and Build

Tailoring Plan Template TPT Explore

Test Plan TP Design and Build

Test Plan Summary Report TPSR Test

Test Set(s) TS Test

Total Cost of Ownership TCO Define

Traceability Matrix TM Design and Build

Training Plan and Administration Design and Build

User Requirements Specifications URS Define

Validation Master Plan VMP Define

Validation Summary Report Deploy

Appendix C SDLC Deliverables by Phase Chart

Explore Define Design & Build Test Deploy

• Project Initiation Form

• Tailoring Plan Template

• Business Case & TCO • Project Charter • Project Plan • Project Schedule • Project Snapshot • Risk Management and

Assessment Plan • Project Roles, Norms and

Ground Rules

• Project Issue and Tracking • Status Report

• Post Implementation Review

• Regulatory Assessment • Scope Statement • User Requirement Specs • Validation Master Plan

• Functional Requirements Spec • Detailed Design Specs • Configuration Mgt Plan • Test Plan (unit, integrated, system,

acceptance) • Installation Plan • Data Migration Plan and Report • Traceability Matrix

• Test Set(s) • Test Plan Summary Report • Installation Verification and

Report

• Validation Summary Rpt

• Service Plan Assessment • Infrastructure Design

Requirements • Service Level Agreement

• Configuration Records Inventory • Operational Level Agreements • System Architecture Diagram

• Release Checklist

• Commitment Chart • Roles and Responsibilities • Communications Plan • Change Impact Plan • Scope Change Mgt

• Deployment Plan • Training Plan

Service Dependencies Deliverables

Change and Leadership Management Deliverables

Core Activities Deliverables

Project Management Deliverables

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