Specification Development

We need specification documents that clearly describe the engineering goals to be achieved. Usually these specifications are provided by our clients, but we can also assist in developing and refining these if needed. Typical specification documents may include:

Here is an example of a functional specification outline:

Table of Contents

About This Document

Conventions Used
Abbreviation List
Intended Audience

Summary

Definition of Scope
Definition of Objectives
Background to the Development
High Level Context Diagram of the Standalone Product
High Level Context Diagram of the Product in Relation to Other Systems
Hardware / Software Systems to be Used (Host & Computer Workstation)
Overview of the Major Subsystems
Overview of the Major Functions
Proposed Development Implementation (Tool chains)
Summary of the benefits / advantages of the development
Critical Issues likely to affect the success of the development
Required changes to work practices
Critical assumptions made during the Functional Specification Phase
Recommendations to Management

Functional Descriptions

Subsystem "A"

Subsystem concepts
Interactivity with other Systems / Subsystems
Overview of the Subsystem
Data flow diagram of each function within the Subsystem
Narrative description of each function
Inputs/Outputs, processes, files and interfaces
Function Point Count
Error Handling & Detection

Subsystem "B" Etc...

Subsystem concepts
Interactivity with other Systems / Subsystems
Overview of the Subsystem
Data flow diagram of each function within the Subsystem
Narrative description of each function
Inputs/Outputs, processes, files and interfaces
Function Point Count
Error Handling & Detection

Application Software

Interactivity with other Applications
Application Software Overview
Normal Mode
Monitoring
Substitute
Initialization
Shutdown
Testing
Calibration
Maintenance
Data flow diagram of each function within the Application Software
Narrative description of each function within the Application Software
Inputs/Outputs, processes, files and interfaces
Function Point Count
Error Handling & Detection
Data Structures
Data Model
Entities & Attributes

Input/Output Descriptions

GUI Screen Layout
Reports Layout
Menu Tree

Interfaces to Other Systems

LAN Resource Connectivity
Internet
Timing Issues
Data Flow

Security

System Level Access
Administrators
Users

Subsystem Level Access

Administrators
Users

Data Entities & Attributes

Backup, Restart, Recovery and Housekeeping

Description of Operations to be Maintained in the Event of an Unplanned Interruption
Description of Backup Requirements
Description of Restart Requirements
Description of Recovery Requirements for Online Functions
Requirements for Backup Devices
Requirements for Disaster Recovery
Requirements for Manual Fall Back Procedures
Description of all System Housekeeping requirements

Audit Procedures

Data Attribute Constraints
Constraints regarding Functions
Control Features
Audit Trails

User Performance Requirements

Online System Performance

Data Capture/Conversion Requirements

Strategies for Data Capture / Conversion

Testing Strategy

System Testing Overview for Functionality & Performance
Roles & Responsibilities
Software Testing Tools & Requirements
Acceptance Criteria

Implementation and Training Strategies

Staging & Introduction of Updated Features at User Locations
Levels According to User Staff Responsibilities
Duration & Accreditation
Roles & Responsibilities for Implementation

Clerical Activities

Effect on Existing Activities
Introduction of New Activities

Standards & Regulatory Certification

FCC
UL
CE
TUV

Glossary

Appendices

Index

System Architecture Development

The overall system architecture of any electronic or computer based product is determined by the specifications. In cases where these are subject to change, Colorado Digital Labs strives to establish a systems architecture that is adaptable and provides enough flexibility to accommodate changing requirements. The specifications, along with the architectural definition, is the launch point of the focused design effort that follows.

At Colorado Digital Labs, we deliver elegant and efficient system architectures, providing a foundation you can build on generation after generation.

Technology Evaluation

In the vast electronic component marketplace of competing parts, development platforms, and systems technologies, some are at a mature stage in their lives while others are new and may have availability issues. With specifications providing detailed descriptions of what the new product must do, we identify the technological solutions to best meet those requirements over the expected life of the design.

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