Iterations, iterations, iterations…

Development is finally underway. November saw the start of development and the completion of iteration 1.  Each iteration is designed around user stories which were defined back in July.  An example of a user story is that a field user may want to create a new feeding site report, or that a basic user may want to sign in or reset a password.

Iteration 1 involved migrating all of the data that we have collected using the old MRP software to a platform around which the new online version will be designed.  Following this, the foundations have been built to define the different user levels, how to create and maintain these users, how users will log into the system, and how they can work both on and offline.  Our project lead spent a day down in Exeter with the software developers exploring these functions and further developing the user stories around which iteration 2 will focus.  The following pictures are screen shots from the welcome page of the software and an example of a feeding sites report.

The next round of testing for iteration 2 is due to take place in December.  There will also be another day spent in Exeter in December to feedback on iteration 1 and start planning for iteration 3.  We also held a steering group meeting in September to address overall project management issues such as further change controls affecting project completion dates and potentially affecting the budget.

As before, we continue to work in parallel to the actual software development on the additional components and revision of existing components that will be integrated into the new software.  A document was finalised and passed onto the developers detailing formats for stock reporting, blanket feeding, screening etc.  Moving into December, we will be compiling and drawing together feedback received on the reports and outputs the MRP produces, such as the feeding site summary report to ensure all new outputs meet the needs of users.

Finally, alongside software development we have begun writing the new user manuals which will accompany the software.  Whilst we hope the new software will be as intuitive as possible, we will develop materials to guide users through the process of setting up accounts, entering, submitting and analysing data.

It’s really great to be moving ahead so quickly now with software development.  We will facilitate a more open round of user acceptance testing with partners foriteration 4 of the software which will contain a lot of the final functionality. This will be within quarter 1 of 2014.  If you are interested in participating in this testing, please contact Susan Fuller at [email protected]