Introduction
Our approach to every Tanner Creative project that comes in the doors is one of the things that set us apart from our competition. We have taken an in depth look at the company, and have streamlined project management, quality control and programming functions to allow us to spend more time on going above & beyond client expectations.
Since nearly half of our clients have come to us shortly after hiring a web firm that failed to meet their expectations, we have learned that undesirable results, poor customer service, expired deadlines and sub-par results run rampant in the website development industry.
Ours systems and processes allow you to know exactly what you are getting, understand why you are getting it, and we give you the power to approve every step of the way. This way, there are no surprises, and insures we consistently deliver a top quality end product to each and every client we take on.
Project Discovery
Every project is unique, and every client has different needs. In order to successfully develop a powerful website or application for your company, we must determine what type of project you are interested in. What, ultimately, do you want to accomplish with the project we will be working on for you?
- Do you want to build credibility and get the phone to ring?
- Are you planning on selling items online?
- Are you starting up a membership based website to sell subscriptions and advertising from?
- Do you want to have a web application developed to streamline your business?
We approach each of the above possibilities very differently.
Technical Specifications Documentation
Our documentation varies from one project to another. For example, if you are simply looking to have a 10 page informational website, the Technical Specifications Documentation (TSD) will not be nearly as exhaustive as a TSD for a complex web based application that hooks into a pre-existing E-Commerce system which also serves as an online billing system.
Here is an empty TSD skeleton with descriptions that we use to ensure that your project will be everything you need for it to be.
- Overview and Purpose This section will act as a broad-brush overview of the entire project, as well as the purpose for the existence of the project.
- Client Design Input Before starting any project, one of the questions from the Tanner Creative questionnaire requests a listing of various website addresses you like, and why. This serves as a communication tool for the client to effectively explain what vain of design work they are interested in.
- Potential User Type Definitions In some cases, a project can have several types of users. They can have guests who can view the website, a user who can login and manage their orders / information, and they can have an Administrator who can manage all parts of the website. It is important to clearly document who can do what.
- Main Components & Defined User Interaction After clarifying the different user types, we then identify what the main components of the project are, what functionality they will have, and what user types will have access to them.
- Static Page Tree Finally, a skeleton structure of pages, screens or interfaces is constructed. This will serve as a road map to filling out and completing the project.
Our clients are given a special link to track the progress of the actual project we are working on, which is viewable at any given time.
Internal Project Management
Proper Project Management is taken very seriously at Tanner Creative. Since we typically work on between 15 and 20 projects at any given time, it is a necessity. Based upon the TSD as outlined above, we break down the project into easy to understand tasks. After assigning the appropriate team member to develop the task, they are required to fully document the status of the item in the Tanner Creative Project Management System. This is a web-based system that is utilized internally for outstanding record keeping and documentation. An integrated Help Desk also keeps us abreast of any problems that may arise. Once filled out by your project leader, the team member assigned to that task is automatically notified. We are able to check all login information, client requests and comments from one place, which allows for a quicker turnaround time on your project.
Once a project milestone is reached, we request the sign off in the form of an email from the client. This will help us to go from stage to stage with no unforeseen problems
Final Polishing and Delivery
Once the project is finished, we will go through and check for flawlessness. The client is then requested to do the same thing, and approve the finalization. We then do all the steps necessary to setup and go live with the project. If requested, we deliver all files to the client.
Ongoing Availability
Many times, a successful project will require modifications based upon the requests from their prospects or clients. This could range from simple graphic changes, or additional custom integration of a pre-existing stand-alone application which the client sees value in having available. Regardless of what it is, Tanner Creative will always be available to provide our clients with a free quote, and results-driven recommendations on how best to accomplish what they are interested in doing.
