Case Study
Overview
A U.S.-based software company serving highly regulated utilities needed to enhance its computer-based training (CBT) platform by introducing a custom Test Development Tool. This tool, built as an extension to their existing desktop application, streamlined test creation, ensured compliance, and maintained high-quality standards. Leveraging an onshore-offshore delivery model, we achieved up to 30-40% cost savings without compromising on quality. Stringent quality gates across requirements, design, development, and testing phases ensured the product met high-quality standards. The tool also featured an item bank to efficiently manage and reuse test items.
Background
The client specializes in CBT solutions for utilities companies, providing a platform with a front-end desktop application and a SQL Server database for managing training modules and tracking employee progress. As the customer base expanded, the manual test creation and delivery process became a bottleneck. The client required a solution that could streamline test development while maintaining scalability and compliance with industry standards.
The Challenge
The client faced several challenges:
1. Seamless Integration: Extending the desktop application and SQL Server database without disrupting existing functionality.
2. Cost Constraints: Delivering the solution cost-effectively without impacting quality.
3. High-Quality Standards: Ensuring every phase of the project adhered to stringent quality requirements.
4. Zero Downtime: Ensuring uninterrupted use of the existing application during implementation.
5. Efficient Test Management: Introducing an item bank to standardize and simplify test creation.
The Solution
We designed and implemented a Test Development Tool that integrated seamlessly with the client’s existing platform. To ensure alignment and clarity, we defined a detailed Scope of Work (SoW) for each phase of the project. The project followed two key phases: the Discovery Phase and the Development Phase.
Discovery Phase
The Discovery Phase was focused on requirement gathering, solution design, and alignment with stakeholders. This phase included the following key activities:
1. Conducting stakeholder workshops to capture detailed requirements.
2. Designing the solution architecture, including the item bank.
3. Outlining roles and responsibilities for all participants, including the client, onshore project manager, and offshore development teams.
4. Documenting the change control process to manage any scope changes effectively.
5. Preparing detailed cost estimates and deliverables for the Development Phase.
The Discovery Phase provided clarity around objectives, deliverables, and success criteria, setting the foundation for a smooth development process.
Development Phase
The Development Phase followed Agile Scrum methodology and focused on iterative delivery of the Test Development Tool. This phase included:
1. Front-End Extension: Developed intuitive modules in the desktop application for test creation and management.
2. Database Expansion: Extended the SQL Server database to support the new item bank and ensure backward compatibility.
3. Item Bank: Designed and implemented a centralized repository for storing and reusing test items, enhancing efficiency and consistency.
4. Quality Assurance: Conducted rigorous testing during each sprint, ensuring functional accuracy and compliance.
5. Deliverables and Warranty: Delivered prototypes, final solutions, and included a warranty period to address any post-delivery issues.
The roles and responsibilities, deliverables, and success criteria defined during the Discovery Phase were continuously referenced to ensure alignment with client expectations.
Results
The project delivered significant value to the client:
– Seamless Integration: The Test Development Tool extended the existing desktop application and database without disrupting ongoing functionalities.
– Cost Savings Without Quality Compromise: Achieved up to 30-40% cost savings through the onshore-offshore model.
– Efficient Test Creation: Reduced the time required to create and manage assessments by 40%.
– Centralized Item Management: The item bank streamlined test development and ensured consistency across modules.
– Regulatory Compliance: Automated templates ensured adherence to industry standards.
– High User Satisfaction: Positive feedback from end-users highlighted the tool’s intuitive interface and seamless integration.
Conclusion
This project underscores the value of combining a cost-effective delivery model with a robust quality assurance process. By leveraging an onshore-offshore approach and implementing quality gates at every phase, we delivered a high-quality solution that enhanced the client’s platform and achieved significant cost savings.
The Test Development Tool now enables the client to streamline test creation, manage a centralized item bank, and scale their offerings—positioning them for continued success in a highly regulated and competitive market.