EDM Releases in a Nutshell
Download as DOCX, PDF0 likes250 views
The methodology delivers business functionality in discrete releases prioritized by a steering group. Each release has a detailed 3-4 page plan approved by the steering group. Within each release, data is integrated into the data warehouse and reports are created iteratively with business users. Releases provide value to the business roughly every three months while reporting releases can have a monthly tempo. The steering group can modify the release strategy and provide in-flight guidance without locking the enterprise into large commitments.
EDM Releases in a Nutshell
- 1. © Redwing Business Intelligence Ltd 2002-2015 v1.2 Page 1 of 1 Evolutionary Development Methodology® The Release Spiral . . . in a nutshell. The overall goal of the methodologyis todeliverdiscrete unitsof business functionalityinorder of value to the business. These discrete unitsare called Releases. Releasesare prioritizedbythe SteeringGroup,andare listedinprioritysequence inaplanning documentcalledthe ReleaseStrategy. Itisownedbythe SteeringGroupandhas an 18-24 month planninghorizon. The Release nextinsequence will have amore detailed3or4 page Release Planpresentedtothe SteeringGroupforapproval. Approval will initiate Releasedelivery. The progressionof Release deliveryisthe outerspiral of the methodology,andthe rhythmisa deliveryof achunkof value to the businessroughlyeverythree months. WithineachRelease,two majoractivities typicallytake place. The firstisbringingonanew data feedintothe data warehouse,andexpandingthe warehouse toaccommodate the new raw data. The secondis reportingdevelopmentforinformationdelivery,andthisisdone iterativelyinclose collaboration withinformationconsumersfromthe business. The rhythmof thisinnerspiral isfaster,withreports beingcreatedperhapsweekly. There are alsosuch thingsassub-Releases,orReportingReleases,where anew setof reportingor analyticsiscreatedbasedonmetricsalreadywithinthe datawarehouse.1 Oftenthistakesplace by combiningtwoormore existingsetsof data. Shouldthere be staff dedicatedtothispurpose,then the deliverytempowouldtypicallybe monthly. It issometimesfeasible toaccelerate progressbyrunningReleasesinparallel. Thisrequiresmore resources,of course,butvalue can be deliveredfaster. A technical assessmentof feasibilityis usually required,but ingeneral majorReleasescanalwaysruninparallel withReportingReleases. Upon completionof aRelease,the SteeringGroupwill re-examine the Release Strategy,andmay modifythe listasappropriate. Thispermitsexecutive managementthe abilitytoprovide‘in-flight’ steeringtothe overall programme. The enterprise isneverlocked-intoalarge future commitment,withnooptiontomanage change. The go/no-godecisionisalwaysavailabletothe SteeringGroup. 1 For a full explanation of business intelligenceterminology, pleasesee the Business IntelligenceJargon Buster