How to solve the stress of short time-to-market

The client
One mobile software company, its product is a smart phone product with touch screen. This product is similar to one kind of previous product developed by this company.

The challenge
The client was facing the stress of short time-to-market.

The solution
As to short time-to-market, we provide some solutions listed below:

Simplify the project process

Due to this project can learn from one of similar history projects, so we can simplify the project processes. For example, thanks to most of modules can be reused, and for these modules, what we only need to do is adjust user interface to adapt to new size of screen, so we don't need detailed design as for these modules. For this reason, we merge SRS definition phase and design phase, and design mainly focus on adjustment of user interfaces and some new modules.

Apply Fast Tracking technology

Another solution for meeting the short duration limited is apply some specific technology, such as Fast Tracking, when setting up the project's schedule, you can arrange some activities parallel that you would normally do in sequence. For mitigating the risks come from parallel work, for example, start coding before the design end, adding some proper review to reduce possibility of rework. In addition, use the staffs of the project most effectively by resource loading and leveling is also very important.

Set acceptable threshold

After completing schedule arrangement, assuring that the actual schedule is consistent with the planned schedule is very important. As you know, if activities on a critical path delay, it will delay the end date of the project, so we need to track schedule variance and when exceeding, take corrective actions immediately.