  Software Architect, RFP Workflow
Application, May 2004 |
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DESCRIPTION
The web-based RFP Workflow application is for managing, tracking,
and reporting all aspect of the company workflow from publishing the
RFPs to Account Payable, see "Fig. 2B".
- The first goal is to document existing workflows as illustrated in
section "2. Project Workflow". For every path in the
workflows, a flowchart describing the step-by-step process and all the
attributes will be created. The purpose is to track, manage and
generate reports of the RFPs.
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DELIVERABLES
This project has multiple-phase deliverables. The first deliverable
is a clear, comprehensive RFP Workflow documentation of the current
processes. From the master plan, GreenTomato Software LLC
("GTS") streamlines and implements one workflow-path at a
time.
GTS´s expertise in documenting workflows, creating flowchart
diagrams, as well as developing web-based workflow application is an
integral part of successfully implement the RFP Workflow
application.
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- GTS will be working hand-in-hand with the project team in
documenting the workflows, creating the flowcharts, and streamlining
the workflows for the web-based application implementation.
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- In parallel with documenting the workflows, a web-based
application will be created to manage, track and generate reports.
Section "3. Workflow Web-based Application" illustrates the
concept of implementing the application in a rapid build and
deployment methodology.
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- GTS will provide the expertise in programming and deploying the
RFP Workflow web-based application.
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The following workflow diagram, Figure 2B, illustrates the macro-scope
of the Workflow project.
GTS recognized that it is a very complex process, and from
experience in developing these types of web-based workflow
applications, GTS ensured success by following the rapid build and
deployment methodology, described in Section 3.
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CLIENT
PROFILE
[The founder] vision was to create a company that created quality
stationery and gift products. Fifteen years later, we continue our
unique equation of designing in house and manufacturing in Italy. This
combination gives us the freedom to create beautiful products for our
customers while maintaining a superior level of quality. Whether
it's art calendars or flash cards, magnets or decorative wrap, we
at [company] are paper people. If our customers are having a much fun
using our products as we do creating them, or job is well done. We
deeply value your support and loyalty to our company-- thank you for
joining us on this journey.
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CLIENT
TESTIMONIAL:
Thank you for
taking your time for Karl and his friend Arte the other day. Karl told
me that you nailed down everything in very clear manner, which he
couldn't do for Arte. The workflow diagrams are great help in
understanding our own internal processes -- it's a lot easier to
hear the harsh reality knowing how to fix it.
It was very nice application that you build for us. I'm currently
working on lining up another project where we can improve RFP
Workflows.
Anne
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From experience in programming complex, web-based workflow
applications, GTS develop a rapid build and deployment methodology that
ensures the successful integration into the day-to-day operations.
GTS recognized that it is a long-term project, and therefore cannot
be implement by the all-at-once method, or by purchasing a large,
expensive and inflexible system. The most successful method is to
build, deploy and test one module/workflow at a time. Figure 3
illustrates the Rapid Build and Deployment methodology.
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LEGAL
In addition to the standard Terms & Conditions,
GreenTomato Software LLC is strictly adhered to the Non-disclosure
Agreement of this project.
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SUMMARY
The summary highlights the core activities during the
engagement.
- Onsite review and document current workflow processes.
- Architect the master technology blueprint for extranet
applications.
- Streamline and automate the workflow processes, one at a
time.
- Write the RFP Workflow application documentation.
- Present the final result to the President and the Sr. Staff.
- SECOND PHASE
DELIVERABLE:
"Publishing and Receiving RFPs Application"
Overall Structure
- 24/7 universal access via web-based application.
- NO proprietary client-side software install needed.
- Fast, intuitive tab-navigation and streamline access to most
relevant data/file.
- Intelligent JavaScripts validation on all input-fields.
- Comprehensive server-side re-validation on all inputs before
commit to database.
- Extensive use of Cascading Style Sheet for intuitive layout and
fast page loading.
- In full regression stressed test, the average page load is 2.8
seconds.
- Publishing
RFP
- Quick and easy login.
- Customizable template for fast, comprehensive, and secured
publishing RFPs on the extranet.
- Publish attachment can be PDF, Tiff or plain-text format.
- Automatically enable and disable RFP based on start-date and
end-date.
- Automatically email to a list of preferred contractors at
start-date.
- Automatically disable Submit-button to stop "double
submit" problem.
- Clearly written and easy-to-follow instruction on all pages.
- Submitting
RFP
- Professional and intuitive page-layout to streamline RFP response
online-submitting process.
- Includes attachment can be PDF, Doc, Jpeg, Tiff or plain-text
format.
- Additional JavaScript validation for general public usage.
- Online status checking on submitted RFP.
- Online-submitting amended or updated RFP response after submitting
(before end-date).
- Automatically disable Submit-button to stop "double
submit" problem.
- Clearly written and easy-to-follow instruction on all pages.
- Documentation
- Requirement Documentation
- High Level Software Architecture Documentation
- Development Philosophy and Coding Standard Documentation, The
GASA4C.
- Detail-Coding Documentation, The universal Javadoc-style of
self-documenting code.
- Deployment and Maintenance Documentation.
- The User Guide for Admin., Self-maintaining application.
- Hosting
Infastructure1
- 24x7 Support
- Optional database encryption available
- ODBC Relational Databases
- 24x7 Network monitoring
- Dual OC-12s, 135 Mbps of bandwidth
- Sun UltraSPARC IIi servers with Fast Wide SCSI
- Daily sever backup
- 99.98% guarantee uptime
Epilogue
There were excellent communication between GTS and the company, and
therefore, the end result RFP Workflow documentation is clear, concise,
and comprehensive.
Since this is a long-term, multiphase engagement, the implementation
of the Workflow process is on a as-needed basis.
In the second phase, GTS architects a full self-maintaining
application. The clients are able to perform all the backend
administrative tasks easily, securely and without additional
consulting-support help.
Self-maintaining application is one of the hallmark of excellent by
GTS. It is one of the key differential separating GTS of all other
consulting firms.
If you are interested in the similar application, GTS can be contact
via email, consulting@greentomato.com, or
the online Comment form.
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Footnotes
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