System Requirements Specification

This document is the responsibility of the client. It should highlight what the client wishes to achieve and the process that they are trying to automate.

Costing

This initial document will be used as the focal point for the project costing. If the requirements are too complex then the costing may not be possible at this stage in which case it maybe necessary for the company and client to agree on development of the System Design Specification (SDS).

Content

The SRS should tell companies bidding for a tender exactly what the customer requires. If you as the client sit down with potential suppliers and verbally tell them what you want then you are in fact describing your SRS.

A SRS must include the following aspects:

What is the current process?

If you currently have 10 members of staff all creating web pages that are based on a template then this needs to be spelled out

Why are you changing it?

Do you simply want to save money or are speed and customer satisfaction important points? The most important reasons need to be clarified here. A good way to do this is to place the importance in order.

The designer will see what is important to you and ensure that the solution adopts these points.

What do you want to replace it with?

If you are clear on what you actually want to achieve, the better the results will be. This process is not designed to make you, the customer do all the work. It's merely for you to have thought about the solution and articulated this into words.

What is your time frame and your budget?

A software project can go on indefinitely and can be very costly to your company. You must provide some idea as to your budget and time frame. If you are not sure on your budget then the software development company will quote the project based on the requirements alone.

The design of any software solution should consider the accommodation of future modules, which can be added at a later date.

What constraints do you have?

Do you wish for the company to develop using certain tools or languages?

The specification needs to be in English. The document needs to have pictures where necessary, however crude they may be. The document needs to be clearly sectioned and paragraphed and must be easy to read. Clear interpretation is VERY important when it comes to Software Development to avoid any misunderstandings!

Paying Someone To Analyse Your Process

Paying somebody to write a SRS for you may save you money in the long run as it will reduce the risk of misinterpretation. This is the role of a Systems Analyst. They will write your SRS by studying on site what you do. This person will need to have the freedom to talk to any of your staff and be given the time to complete their job.

The bigger the project, the more likely a Systems Analyst is required.

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