Platform-Based Customization Process
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A Platform-Based Customization Process is a custom software development process that focuses on adapting and extending existing software platforms to meet specific business requirements without building a system from scratch.
- Context:
- It can (typically) leverage an underlying Software Platform such as Salesforce Lightning or Microsoft Dynamics to simplify the development process.
- It can (often) begin with a Needs Analysis similar to that in a Custom Software System Development Process but focuses more on mapping the requirements to available platform features and extensions.
- It can involve Stakeholder Engagement to ensure that the configured platform aligns with the strategic goals of the organization and the users' needs.
- It can require a Configuration Planning Stage, where the specific settings and extensions of the platform are determined and documented.
- It can include Iterative Development and Testing, using the platform's tools to adjust configurations based on stakeholder feedback.
- It can feature a Deployment Phase similar to other software methodologies but generally with less complexity due to the use of standard platform components.
- It can benefit from Post-Deployment Support and Maintenance, focusing on updates and adaptations as the platform evolves.
- It can range from being a Low-Code/No-Code Development Process to a more complex Customization Process, depending on the extent of the changes required and the capabilities of the platform.
- It can make extensive use of System Integration techniques to connect the platform with other enterprise systems.
- It can leverage the platform's built-in security features, reducing the effort needed for security testing and compliance.
- It can utilize the platform's ecosystem of pre-built integrations and add-ons to extend functionality without custom development.
- ...
- Example(s):
- A Salesforce CRM System Configuration Process (Salesforce CRM Platform), to handle complex customer service workflows and integrate with a company's existing ERP system.
- A SharePoint Site Configuration Process (SharePoint Site), to manage document flows, approvals, and integrate with a government agency's existing case management system.
- A ServiceNow IT Service Management System Configuration Process (ServiceNow IT Service Management System), to automate IT service desk operations and integrate with a company's HR system for employee onboarding and offboarding.
- A Workday HCM System Configuration Process (Workday HCM System), to manage global workforce operations and integrate with a multinational's payroll systems across different countries.
- A Shopify E-commerce Platform Customization Process (Shopify E-commerce Platform), to set up an online store with unique branding, payment gateways, and shipping integrations for a niche retail business.
- A Moodle Learning Management System Configuration Process (Moodle Learning Management System), to create a customized online learning platform with gamification features and integration with a university's student information system.
- A Mendix Low-Code Platform Customization Process (Mendix Low-Code Platform), to rapidly develop and deploy a mobile field service application that integrates with a company's inventory management system and GPS tracking tools.
- ...
- Counter-Example(s):
- Custom Software System Development Process, where the software is built entirely from scratch.
- Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Software, where customization options are typically minimal and not based on a platform's extensive configuration capabilities.
- Generic Mobile Apps that offer limited customization beyond basic settings.
- See: Software Customization, Agile Software Development, Software Project Management, User-centred Design, Software Engineering, DevOps, Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Development Methodology, System Integration, Low-Code Development Platforms, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems.
References
2024
- (ChatGPT-OpenAI, 2024) ⇒ Prompt: Summarize the concept Platform-Based Customization Process in 1-2 paragraphs. ChatGPT (model:gpt-4-turbo-preview). Retrieved: 2024-04-28.
- QUOTE: The Platform-Based Customization Process involves adapting and extending existing software platforms like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics to meet specific business requirements. This process typically includes stages such as needs analysis, stakeholder engagement, configuration planning, iterative development and testing, and deployment. Unlike traditional software development, this methodology leverages the built-in capabilities of the platform to reduce development time and complexity, focusing on configuration rather than coding from scratch.