Staff who have become familiar with the consultants can facilitate change orders or other enhancements to the scope of work, and help both management and the consultants understand priorities and costs. Good consultants welcome this level of involvement because it helps them do a better job. At the conclusion of the project, the staff liaisons with the consultant often function as a resource for how the application is intended to function. Questions can be answered by walking across the hall instead of calling the consultant. Even the best staff liaisons can become carried away in the application development process.
Milestones reduce risk by compartmentalizing the project.
Typical milestones in a software project include phases for requirements, design, interface and reports, testing, conversion and training. The consulting contract or letter of engagement should include a description of each and a listing of specific deliverables. Conclusion Database software selection is not about the best product, it is about the best approach for your particular agency. Only someone from within the agency is going to have the insight to make the proper choice. Effective information management is a complex combination of human and process considerations.