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Guide to the SDLC Process

Version 1.0 June, 2007

Guide to the SDLC Process

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

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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 deliverablesthe SDLC deliverable setwhich documents both the system design and the validation activities related to implementing or installing the system.

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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 casesfor example, during the creation of a project Tailoring Planit 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.

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Guide to the SDLC 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 Lists other SDLC deliverables that influence this deliverable

Useful Inputs

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.

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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.

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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.

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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 youll 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.

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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:

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Guide to the SDLC Process

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. 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 Excel worksheet (protected) Enter data into designated fields Lists the required SDLC deliverables for a project

RAF

Regulatory Assessment Form

TPT

Tailoring Plan Template

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Define Phase Business Case


Word document Write sections Describes total cost and projected benefits to the company given the constraints and assumptions 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 Word document Complete tables Assesses factors in determining the change implementation approach and the method for managing the change Word document Complete table Supports communication planning and other project management activities Excel worksheet Enter data Identifies people with communication needs; defines intent of communication; outline plan for communicating Word document Complete tables

TCO

Total Cost of Ownership

Change Impact Plan

Commitment Chart

Communications Plan

Infrastructure Design Requirements

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Define Phase

Highlights the specific infrastructure components needed for project development and system operation 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 Word document Write the sections needed Charts the course of the project Word document Example only available Microsoft Project template Enter data Sets expectations for project start / finish dates, for resource allocation, for dependencies between the different project activities PowerPoint document Modify existing Template Use for visual presentation of project progress Word document Write sections; complete table Provides a structured approach to identifying both project and system risks

Project Charter

Project Plan

Project Roles, Norms and Ground Rules Project Schedule

Project Snapshot

Risk Assessment and Management Plan

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

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 Word document Complete tables Specifies how scope changes will be managed and approved Word document Complete tables Describe all aspects of project scope to provide a basis for scope management 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 Word document Complete the tables Defines the expected service levels and performance criteria Word document Complete the table Documents the set of capabilities that

Scope Change Management

Scope Statement

SLA

Service Level Agreement

SPA

Service Plan Assessment

URS

User Requirements Specifications

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Define Phase support a users 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

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Design and Build Phase Configuration Management Plan


Word document Complete the tables Determines and tracks configuration items that constitute a released system and the processes involved in managing them Word document or Excel worksheet Complete the table documents the attributes for one of three elements Configuration Items, Components, or System Configuration 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 Word document Write sections Describes the approach to making a system operational 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 Word document Complete the sections Describes how the system will perform and

Configuration Records Inventory

Data Migration Plan and Report

Deployment Plan

DDS

Detailed Design Specifications

FRS

Functional Requirements Specifications

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Design and Build Phase 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 Word document Complete the sections outlines the roles and the performance targets for every group involved in the delivery of the service Word document; Excel document Enter data into tables Provides the tools required for effective identification, assessment, and resolution of project issues 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) PowerPoint or Visio document(s) Create new or edit existing examples Provides a visual schematic of the system

OLA

Operational Level Agreements

Project Issue Tracking and Management

Status Report

System Architecture Diagram

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Design and Build Phase 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 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 Word document Complete the tables Describes the training needed (if needed) and for whom the training is created

TM

Traceability Matrix

Training Plan and Administration

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Test Phase IVR Installation Verification and Report


Word document Write the sections 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 Word document or Excel worksheet Enter data Ensures completion of all activities and documentation needed for deployment Word document Write the sections Indicates that a system has been examined for all its requirements Word document Write the sections Documents that requirements have been tested; reports on variances found and resolved,; states that the test acceptance criteria have been met

Release Checklist

TS

Test Set(s)

TPSR

Test Plan Summary Report

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverables by Phase


Acronym Deliverable Name Type of Document Action Needed Description of Deliverable

Deploy Phase Post Implementation Review


Excel worksheet Enter data into fields Examines expected against actual and asks if project was on-time, on-budget, onthe-mark Word document Write the sections 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

Validation Summary Report

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Guide to the SDLC Process

Appendix B SDLC Deliverable Listed Alphabetically


Deliverable Name Business Case Change Impact Plan Commitment Chart Communications Plan Configuration Management Plan Configuration Records Inventory Data Migration Plan and Report Deployment Plan Detailed Design Specifications Functional Requirements Specifications Infrastructure Design Requirements Form Installation Plan Installation Verification and Report Operational Level Agreements Post Implementation Review Project Charter Project Initiation Form Project Issue Tracking and Management Project Plan Project Roles, Norms and Ground Rules Project Schedule Project Snapshot Regulatory Assessment Form Release Checklist Risk Assessment and Management Plan RAF PIF IP IVR OLA DDS FRS Acronym Phase Define Define Define Define Design and Build Design and Build Design and Build Design and Build Design and Build Design and Build Define Design and Build Test Design and Build Deploy Define Explore Design and Build Define Define Define Define Explore Test Define

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Guide to the SDLC Process

SDLC Deliverable Listed Alphabetically


Deliverable Name Roles and Responsibilities Scope Change Management Scope Statement Service Level Agreement Service Plan Assessment Status Report System Architecture Diagram Tailoring Plan Template Test Plan Test Plan Summary Report Test Set(s) Total Cost of Ownership Traceability Matrix Training Plan and Administration User Requirements Specifications Validation Master Plan Validation Summary Report URS VMP TPT TP TPSR TS TCO TM SLA SPA Acronym RACI Phase Define Define Define Define Define Design and Build Design and Build Explore Design and Build Test Test Define Design and Build Design and Build Define Define Deploy

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Appendix C SDLC Deliverables by Phase Chart


Explore Define Design & Build Test Deploy

Project Management Deliverables

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

Core Activities Deliverables


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 Dependencies Deliverables


Service Plan Assessment Infrastructure Design
Requirements

Configuration Records Inventory Operational Level Agreements System Architecture Diagram

Release Checklist

Service Level Agreement

Change and Leadership Management Deliverables


Commitment Chart Roles and Responsibilities Communications Plan Change Impact Plan Scope Change Mgt Deployment Plan Training Plan

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