Our Methodology
LDS has built its unique Logical ApproachSM methodology over years of delivering portal solutions to the Fortune 500. This tailored approach constitutes a significant differentiator for LDS, and allows us to build each new, quality solution on the success of earlier portal assignments.
Each of the following phases of The Logical ApproachSM are discussed, below:
Phase 1 — Assess
Phase 2 — Envision
Phase 3 — Elaborate
Phase 4 — Implement
Phase 5 — Evolve
Program Management
Assess
In order to implement a quality, continually improving portal solution, one must be able to identify the business opportunities and priorities, align the appropriate stakeholders and assess the organization's readiness to adopt an effective solution. This is never more important than in developing a portal solution that is properly designed to become an integral facet of a company's business. In setting the direction of the portal, we quickly establish the Portal Strategy and Vision, assess the readiness of the company to deploy the portal, determine the change impact, and create a plan for moving a successful portal project forward.
Envision
In this phase, we leverage our Informed Design philosophy to define a portal-based business solution as we articulate the characteristics of the future portal foundation. Here, we establish specific business and user requirements, analyze them as a whole, and match them against enabling technologies and people change methods. Armed with this information, LDS and the client define all the factors – people, processes and scenarios – needed to inform (and if necessary, innovate) the solution design.
Elaborate
This phase builds on this portal foundation and focuses on converging on a coordinated experience design across the portal and other change-impacting channels. This includes detailing the portal functional specifications, remediating the associated change management challenges, and rationalizing the various potential technical approaches to the portal solution. The result of this phase is a fully informed solution design that is ready to implement.
Implement
In this phase, LDS completes the technical designs and then constructs, tests, and deploys the site. Here, LDS documenets the technical specifications required to appropriately guide development; the deliverable is later a critical component of our knowledge transfer to the client. These specifications serve as the primary hand off for final development.
In addition, vital change management plans (including adoption support plans) are enacted to ensure the portal's sustainability. The solution is tested and then deployed from our development environment to the client's selected production environment.
Evolve
The value of a business solution should be tangible, measurable and evident. Furthermore, the value should be sustainable as the business situation continues to change and evolve.
During the Evolve phase, LDS measures the success and impact of a solution, based on predefined metrics and objectives, and makes necessary adjustments to ensure that the maximum value is realized. This can be a one-time effort following the launch of a solution. Preferably, it is ongoing assessment and governance programs that support continuous improvement and ensure that, as the solution evolves, it remains aligned with the strategic business objectives.
Program Management
An integral aspect of The Logical ApproachSM that cuts across each phase of this methodology is program management. A portal solution is most likely to realize its potential when its business owners fully recognize and understand the transforming qualities that it possesses. Effectively harnessing these qualities requires portal program management that can identify and address every aspect of a full portal solution, including:
- Managing a Portfolio of Projects
- Providing Strategic Portal Program Management
- Ensuring a Quality Customer Experience.
- Delivering our services on time and within budget.
Conclusion
By adhering closely to The Logical ApproachSM, LDS delivers the high-quality portal solutions our clients demand by applying widely accepted best practices and a rigorously holistic perspective that addresses all relevant aspects of people, process and technology.
