Requirements Gathering Best Practices for Software Development | Charter Global

The initial phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is called “Requirement Analysis,” also referred to as “Requirement Gathering.” This is perhaps the most vital phase within the SDLC, because it lays the foundation for how the rest of the software project will take place. Who will give these requirements and how, you ask? There are several approaches. It should be noted that this phase is also the most common for making mistakes within the project. By using the following techniques and methodologies, you can avoid getting de-railed by these mistakes.  

Here are the various requirement analyzing techniques that can be used as per the Software Development process:  

• Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) 
• UML Use Cases 
• Flow Chart 
• Data Flow Diagrams
• Role Activity Diagrams
• Work Flow Technique
• GAP Analysis 

Business Process Modeling Notation

This technique is similar to creating process flowcharts, although BPMN has it’s own symbols and elements. Business process modeling and notation is used to create graphs for the business process. These graphs simplify understanding the business process and end to end business flow. BPMN is widely popular as a process improvement methodology.

UML (Unified Model Language)

UML consists of an integrated set of diagrams that are created to specify, visualize, construct and document the artefacts of a software system. UML is a useful technique while creating object-oriented software and working with the software development process.  In UML, graphical notations are used to represent the design of a software project.  UML also help in validating the architectural design of the software.

Flow Chart

A flowchart depicts the sequential flow and control logic of a set of activities that are related. Flowcharts are in different formats such as linear, cross-functional, and top-down.  The flowchart can represent system interactions, data flows, etc. Flow charts are easy to understand and can be used by both the technical and non-technical team members. Flowchart technique helps in showcasing the critical attributes of a process.

Data Flow Diagrams

This technique is used to visually represent systems and processes that are complex and difficult to describe in text. Data flow diagrams represent the flow of information through a process or a system. It also includes the data inputs and outputs, data stores, and the various sub process through which the data moves. DFD describes various entities and their relationships with the help of standardized notations and symbols.  By visualizing all the elements of the system it is easier to identify any shortcomings. These shortcomings are then eliminated in a bid to create a robust solution.

Role Activity Diagrams

Role-activity diagram (RAD) is a role-oriented process model that represents role-activity diagrams.  Role activity diagrams are a high-level view that captures the dynamics and role structure of an organization. Roles are used to grouping together activities into units of responsibilities. Activities are the basic parts of a role. An activity may be either carried out in isolation or it may require coordination with other activities within the role.

GAP Analysis

Gap analysis is a technique which helps to analyses the gaps in performance of a software application to determine whether the business requirements are met or not. It also involves the steps that are to be taken to ensure that all the business requirements are met successfully. Gap denotes the difference between the present state and the target state. Gap analysis is also known as need analysis, need assessment or need-gap analysis.

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Reap These 3 Benefits with Open Source Software |Charter Global

When it comes to enterprise software solutions, businesses may end up shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars in licensing fees alone. Popular platforms, like big-brand customer relationship management (CRM) tools, are not only pricey, but lack the freedom otherwise found in open source software and hardware options available in creative commons.

Open Source Software Development Solutions can transform your infrastructure, reducing costs and streamlining upgrades, making it a reliable, agile setup for your organization.

While the cost effective advantages of open source solutions are huge, the benefits extend far beyond the savings. Other open source perks, for example, include Agile improvements via upgrades and development.

Readily available hardware plans, and community software vetting, are also a few major key takeaways when considering the proactive impact open source software could deliver. In enterprise use cases, open source infrastructure has a wealth of features that closed-source options can just not compete with.  

Flexibility

Perhaps one of the most notable characteristics of open source software development is it’s flexible nature. Like clay, open source infrastructure can be molded – shaped and reshaped, over time, to adjust to varying business needs. This is especially useful when considering changing priorities and business objectives, and the technology corresponding to these priorities.

Developers can make huge changes to their operating systems, without the need for third party interference, because the source code is readily available for both software and hardware.  

When solving a problem, open source options allow for numerous paths to reach a solution. What’s more, you can collaborate with the open source community every step of the way. By reviewing code and adding various features without having to rely on a third-party, developers are able to rework the software to adapt to your department’s needs,

The adaptable, agile nature of open source software simply doesn’t exist elsewhere – and if it does, you’re likely paying the price with costly proprietary software.  

Speed-to-Market

Ultimately, we have an overwhelming dependence on technological deployment cycles for patches, upgrades, and new features. With closed source, proprietary software, you are at the mercy of another company’s development, vetting and release cycle.

By switching in your cap for a red hat, you’ll find a lot less time is spent on the preamble associated with each and every roll-out of a new patch or upgrade.

With open source software, however, you own your timeline, meaning you can have and implement those patches and upgrades much faster.

Think about it this way: There is no board of directors or corporate lawyers to hold you back from immediately releasing an upgrade, patch or feature once its development is complete.  

Cost-Effectiveness

Software expenses can eat through your budget very quickly, rapidly depleting your resources in accordance with the terms of the contractual agreement issued by the proprietor, or a “vendor lock.”

While switching to a more open infrastructure may not be absolutely free, you can expect to significantly reduce operating costs when following through with your open source project.  

Open source infrastructure initiatives make all of their documentation available online. As such, your department can download specs, setup instructions, and tutorials directly, without the need for a service contract to keep systems running in an on-site data center post-installation.  

Peer-to-peer support is overwhelmingly prominent in various forums and online communities, again easily accessible by users looking for specific information and answers to their queries.

Read More:  

https://www.charterglobal.com/reap-these-3-benefits-by-switching-to-open-source-software/ 

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https://www.charterglobal.com/technology-solutions/open-source-solutions/ 

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Reasons to Create a Mobile App Development for Your Business | Charter Global

In a world where people are spending considerably more time on their mobile phones than on their computers, it is no longer enough as a business to only have online presence. Mobile business applications have become a necessary marketing tool for all businesses, regardless of size or industry. While many business owners may think developing an app is too expensive or an unnecessary investment, a mobile app can help a small business engage with and build their customer base, drive sales, and improve their reputation in the market.

Reasons why you should opt for mobile app development

1. Increased customer engagement.

A staggering 83% of all smartphone users begin their day by looking at their smartphones and using apps. According to CNN, the average American accumulates 10 hours of screen time daily. This is something businesses should take advantage of to ensure they reach as much customers as possible. The level of engagement mobile app types receive is several times higher than that of normal websites. With a well designed and user-friendly mobile app, visibility to a wider range of customers and prospective is guaranteed.

2. Brand Awareness and Recognition

One easy way to put your brand out there in the market is through mobile app development. Owning an app puts the business in the face of consumers as a solid vendor they can rely on as they make their buying decisions from the few or many choices available. Users easily associate a brand with its app and the experience they get as they use the app never leaves them, hence the importance of creating a great app. A Full-Service Mobile App Development will keep reminding users about the brand. Even when they’re offline or using other apps, they will regularly view the app icon in their app list. This would always keep the vendor at the forefront of customers’ minds.

3.To take advantage of location-based tracking

Location tracking is very important in mobile app development, as it opens the door to new ways of targeting customers for different marketing campaigns and driving increased action from them. Some of the most successful shopping apps use location-based notifications to alert users about the latest discounts and deals available at their nearby stores.

4. Increase product value

Mobile apps can help in the delivery of products and services in a much more effective and timely manner. Highlight and promote the most valuable aspects of products or services through the app and increase their effectiveness with tailored options and features.

5. Faster and Seamless experience

Apple and Google have minimum speed requirements to list mobile apps. This ensures a quicker and smoother experience for users resulting in more action and higher engagement levels. Frequent and thoughtful testing is the key to maintain a best-in-class experience that attracts and converts users.

6. New revenue streams

There are several other ways of making money using an app outside of the core reasons. Using in-app advertisement and sponsorship methods, apps can generate money through third party. Apps can also be monetized by introducing in-app purchases. It is however important to not sacrifice the customer’s convenience or the core purpose of the app on the altar of side earnings.

7. Increase brand image

A mobile app makes any business, big or small stand out, and gives the business an impression of being tech-savvy. Mobile Application Development Services also make the details (location, contact, etc.) about your business more easily available, which is obviously very good for the company.

8. Makes it easier to promote products

Companies with mobile apps make better impressions than those without one. A mobile application will make a business stand out. Frequent updates help develop customer interest in the company’s products. It will also help save money and effort in other types of promotional techniques, such as advertisements in newspapers and billboards.

9. Increased and faster sales

Mobile application is a tool for increased sales as it attracts and retains customers. All a business needs to do to meet up sales deadlines using applications is to create push notifications about promotions, bonuses and discounts to motivate customers to make a purchase. This can be sent to as many customers across certain geographical locations, times and periods. A “limited time” promotional coupons can be sent via mobile business app to customers. Such promotions encourage sales and will also provide publicity to the business.

10. Analytics made easy

Every efficient marketing campaign requires good analytics. The mobile app technology has immensely helped in the sourcing of information regarding customer preferences, how they use money and time and other important facts that would help place the business in a position to increase production and sales. A mobile app will help business owners track downloads, user engagement, and the products that users show interest in. It’ll also help determine how to make products more customers oriented.

Get in touch with our team to discuss IT staffing and software development solutions that can supersede your existing solutions on mobile and web applications.

How to Use Universal Resource Scheduling With Dynamics Field Service | Charter Global

Universal Resource Scheduling (URS) is a Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement solution. In essence, it enables organizations from many different industries with different scenarios to assign resources to jobs and tasks.  

URS can be used to assign the best resources to tasks and projects based on:

• Availability of resources 
• Required skills
• Promised time-frames
• Business units
• Geographical territory, etc 

Universal Resource Scheduling (URS) are very useful to field service organizations that often use it to schedule mobile resources to location-specific jobs and tasks (or work orders) as their resources travel to various locations. Next, URS schedules the resources with closest proximity to work orders, as work orders are generally performed onsite. So, this eventually reduces travel time and costs.

URS schedulers are very effective for finding and assigning the most relevant resources for a job or requirement. From simple maintenance, repair work, installations to anything else, URS finds the best people for the job with ease and speed.

Creating Work Orders

One of the most important components of field service are the work orders.  This helps define the kind of work that needs to be performed. With URS, it is possible to find the best hands to perform tasks at a given time.

Below are the major components of Field Service and URS:

1. Bookable resources (URS)
2. Resource requirements (URS) 
3. Work orders (Field Service) 
4. Resource bookings (URS)
5. Schedule tools – schedule board, schedule assistant (URS) 
6. Resource Scheduling Optimization (installed separately) (URS) 

For More Information, Please visit our website:

https://www.charterglobal.com/universal-resource-scheduling-urs/ 

URS Uses

There are several ways to use URS for scheduling. One is by using work orders and requirements, and then clicking on the book button on the top ribbon. This kick starts the URS assistant, which shows the available resources for the work. The resources listed are based on their characteristics for the specific work and their availability.

Other ways to book a work order is through the schedule board which gives a drag and drop option. Now, here you can even reschedule or reassign a work order if needed.

In addition, the resource scheduling optimization is a fully automated way to book appropriate resources. It runs on predefined criteria and can be activated with the run now button on the ribbon (but it needs to be installed and configured first to be used).  

Charter Global

In conclusion, good resource management involves an understanding of how much effort a task requires and assigning the right person for the job. So, the Charter Global team also offers a resource management solution that empowers global project teams to make the best out of project scheduling optimization, workload balance, and a general increase in productivity.

Reference –

https://charterglobal.com/enterprise-solutions/microsoft-solutions/ 

https://charterglobal.com/enterprise-solutions/microsoft-dynamics-365/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/customer-engagement/field-service/schedule-work-order

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Accelerate Your Application Delivery with QA Automated Testing - Charter Global

2019 will be remembered as an important year for software testing services – with a record 97% of Agile adoption according to Forrester. Upon entering 2020, it’s time to identify several new software testing trends in hopes of achieving new, strategic heights.

As advancements in testing approaches and techniques continue to surge, QA Automation Testing Services teams strive to improve their skill sets. This is crucial in maintaining synchronicity with rapid technological advances that effectively make of break software delivery strategy.

What trends have shown promise in 2019?

Creating a unique, refined, and savory customer experience has taken center stage in 2019 software delivery trends. Growing organizations rely on high-quality software to systematically produce succinct deliverable.

Moving forward, development teams must consider the following trends to maintain a competitive advantage in a fiercely expanding market.

AI Finds its Footing in Business and QA

The rise of automation and Artificial intelligence was predicted in last year’s trends. Nevertheless, it has been included this year as companies will analyze how artificial intelligence applies to their business. According to The World Quality report, 55% of respondents said that this was their main problem with setting up AI projects.

With regards to QA, more companies are expected to adopt machine learning techniques in areas such as predictive analytics (predicting future outcomes of the testing process based on historical data), defect analytics (highlighting at-risk areas of an application) and test suite optimization (identifying redundant test cases).

The use of AI in testing might require newer skills which will eventually lead to organizations creating new roles for AI QA strategists, data scientists, as well as AI test experts in QA and testing teams.

Instant Apps Take the Spotlight

Instant apps are native mobile apps that are smaller in size. Thus, more convenient for the user who is no longer required to download a standalone app.

The demand for better user experiences and shorter load times are constantly increasing.

Google’s introduction of Android App Bundles allows developers to modularize their apps and deliver features on demand; this will make more organizations adopt the Instant Apps approach.

QA Decentralization

The QA and testing department has been fragmented as a result of the transition to agile and DevOps. QA is now embedded into cross-functional teams. So, quality is dependent on the team members’ skills and their responsibility to integrate testing into their product life-cycle.

Continuous Improvement

The trends mentioned above have contributed to the rise in the adoption of Agile & DevOps over the past few years. Testing is an early part of the development process. More companies will adopt more agile/DevOps models to help them release faster and receive quick feedback. Other companies will take it a step further by adopting approaches such as continuous testing and continuous monitoring.

An attitude of “continuous improvement” will enhance the overall performance and quality of products by teams.

Quality Engineering over Quality Assurance  

QA professionals will enhance their technical skills and include some automation-related work organized by quality engineers. The role of Quality Assurance will deviate to implementing the latest technologies to boost the speed of quality checks. This is a trend that will come into play in the coming years.

Big Data Testing

With big data testing, testers have to verify that terabytes of data are successfully processed. Additionally, the aggressive increase in quantity is making it more tasking for companies. More likely, QA will have to deal with validating the quality, accuracy, and consistency of huge datasets.

These trends above demonstrate the crucial transformation both companies and QA Automation Testing Services is undergoing. The expectations of consumers will continue to shoot up. Organizations must adapt and deliver if they must remain in the front line and grow beyond 2019.

If you are interested in learning more about Benefits of QA Automated Testing Services, check out other blogs here.

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Machine Learning: A Valuable Enterprise

Benefits like cost savings and efficiency make ML an MVP 

 

These benefits are especially prominent when coupled with the IoT and industrial markets

 

Machine Learning is a valuable player in the realm of the Internet of Things. ML and Internet of Things (IoT) have gained tremendous popularity over the past few years, considered by many as revolutionary, game changing tech. Yet, much confusion exists in terms of understanding the purpose of Machine Learning, along with it’s benefits and suitability for use. 

 

Here’s a breakdown of Machine Learning, benefits of ML in AI and IoT, when it should be used, and it’s real-world applications today.
 

Data Analytics vs. Machine Learning

 

With all the aforementioned hype around machine learning, many organizations are asking if applying machine learning could benefit their business model. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is a resounding no. In the case of big data, however, Ml may prove very useful.

 

Machine learning takes large amounts of collected data and generates useful, real-time insights that help the organization based on it’s inherent learning capabilities. That could mean improving vast amounts of processes, cutting costs, creating a better experience for the customer, or opening up new business models.

 

The thing is, most organizations can get many of these benefits from traditional data analytics, without the need for more complicated machine learning applications.

 

Traditional data analysis are great at explaining data. You can generate reports or models of what happened in the past or of what’s happening today, drawing useful, insightful conclusions about your organization.

 

Data analytics can help quantify and track goals, enable smarter decision making, and then provide the means for measuring success over time.

 

When Is Machine Learning Valuable?

 

In general, machine learning is valuable when you know what you want but you don’t know the important input variables to make that decision. So you give the machine learning algorithm your stated goals, or inputs. Based on learning systems, and then it “learns” from the data which factors are important in achieving that goal.

 

The data models that are typical of traditional data analytics are often static and of limited use in addressing unstructured, fast-changing, sequestered amounts of data. When it comes to IoT, it’s often necessary to identify correlations between dozens of sensor inputs and external factors that are rapidly producing millions of data points.

 

In addition, ML  has the ability to accurately predicting future events. Whereas the data models built using traditional data analytics are static, machine learning algorithms constantly improve over time as more data is captured and assimilated. This means that the machine learning algorithm can make predictions, see what actually happens, compare against its predictions, then adjust to become more accurate.

 

The predictive analytics made possible by machine learning are hugely valuable for many IoT applications. Let’s take a look at a few concrete examples.

 

How are Machine Learning Applications used in IoT?

 

Cost Savings in Industrial Applications:

 

Predictive capabilities are extremely useful in an industrial setting. By drawing data from multiple IoT sensors in or on machines, machine learning algorithms can “learn” what’s typical for the machine and then detect when something abnormal begins to occur.

 

Predicting when a machine needs maintenance via IoT data is incredibly valuable, translating into millions of dollars in saved costs. A great example is Goldcorp, a mining company that uses immense vehicles to haul away materials.

 

When these hauling vehicles break down, it costs Goldcorp $2 million per day in lost productivity. Goldcorp is now using machine learning to predict with over 90% accuracy when machines will need maintenance, meaning huge cost savings.
 

Shaping Experiences to Individuals:

 

We’re actually all familiar with machine learning applications in our everyday lives. Both Amazon and Netflix use machine learning to learn our preferences and provide a better experience for the user. That could mean suggesting products that you might like or providing relevant recommendations for movies and TV shows.

 

Similarly, in IoT machine learning can be extremely valuable in shaping our environment to our personal preferences.

 

The billions of sensors and devices that will continue to power connected devices, smart homes, and IoT devices in the coming years will generate exponentially more data. This huge increase in data will drive great improvements in machine learning, opening countless opportunities for us to reap the benefits.

 

Not only we will be able to predict when machines need maintenance, we’ll be able to predict when we need maintenance too. Machine learning will be applied to the data from our wearables to learn our baseline and determine when our vitals have become abnormal, calling a doctor or ambulance automatically if necessary.

 

Beyond individuals, we’ll be able to use that health data at scale to see trends across entire populations, predicting outbreaks of disease and proactively addressing health problems.

 

Although both machine learning and IoT can be over-hyped, the future of machine learning applications in IoT are worthy of that hype. We’re really just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

 

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4 Tips to make Mobile Recruiting an Essential Part of Your Hiring Strategy - Charter Global

Using mobile technology, an HR unit can engage mobile recruiting to attract, engage as well as convert candidates. Typical examples of mobile recruiting methods include mobile recruiting apps, mobile career sites, social recruiting, and recruiting by text.

IT Staffing Solutions offers an evolving opportunity for employers to connect with candidates in a more efficient manner. A research study showed that more than 89 percent of job candidates confirmed that their mobile devices are going to be an essential tool as well as resource for job search.

No doubts, the use of traditional methods such as phone calls and emails have helped in time past in employment processes. However, the rise in mobile usage among people searching for job has made mobile recruiting a more viable tool for recruitment in 2020 and beyond.

What Research Results are Saying about Mobile Recruiting?

Tip #1: Don’t Ignore Mobile or You will be Ignoring the Best Candidates

If you ignore mobile in your recruitment process, you may end up ignoring the top candidates for those positions you wish to fill. So, why is it quite important to feature your IT requirements analysis on handy devices such as smartphones and tablets? The answer is simple…

“By not integrating mobile strategy in recruitment, companies are giving up skillful and qualified candidates. This is because a good number of highly-talented people are changing the way they search for job, both the entry-level candidates and the senior executives”, says a recruitment expert. And, it’s a pity that a lot of companies are hesitating to swing into mobile recruiting.

Tip #2: Imbibe a Strategic Mobile Hiring Strategy

Wondering where to start when it comes to mobile hiring strategy? For now, don’t focus much on smartphone apps. The first step is to focus on making your company’s career website mobile-friendly. Be the judge of whether or not your career site would enable mobile users to apply for your positions by browsing the site on a mobile device – iPhone, Android phone or tablets. This will help you determine how best to repackage your site to suit the present day job seekers.

Tip #3: Take a Cue from Your Rivals

Another great way to do mobile recruiting is to take a cue on how your competitors are doing it. There’s no need reinventing the wheel — be smart and do less work by taking a cue from your rivals who are already taking advantage of mobile for recruiting. Take a long and insightful look at a well-structured mobile career site.

For More Information, Please visit our website: 

https://charterglobal.com/people-solutions/

Tip #4: Find out and Implement Mobile Users’ Needs 

You should also research on the needs of mobile users. The message is simple; learn about your target audience. Locate a group of persons/candidates critical to your recruiting. Subsequently, you should sit back and find out their needs in terms of what your company has to offer better than the other rival company.

Finally, get to the essentials of mobile recruiting by developing robust mobile devices’ landing pages.

Read More: https://www.charterglobal.com/mobile-recruiting/

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