#031: Can your SDLC do this?

1.0 Maximizing Efficiency with xLM's SDLC Process

1.1 Status Quo: Why xLM is Implementing its SDLC

At xLM, we recognize the critical importance of establishing a robust Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to guarantee high-quality, compliant, and efficient project delivery. However, the challenges encountered in real-world software projects underscore the necessity for a more structured, controlled, and scalable approach. Here’s why we are dedicated to implementing and continually enhancing our SDLC:

1.1.1 Lack of Structured Initiation and Planning: 

In numerous software projects, the initiation and planning phases often suffer from inconsistency, resulting in misaligned objectives, scope creep, and delays. To address these challenges, we propose the implementation of a structured project initiation process. This approach will ensure that all stakeholders are aligned from the outset and that the project scope is clearly defined to meet specific requirements effectively.

1.1.2 Inconsistent Change Management Practices:

In conventional methods, change requests are frequently managed in an informal or inconsistent manner, leading to project disruptions and unclear scope. Our SDLC implements a structured change management process, guaranteeing that all modifications are thoroughly documented, reviewed, and approved. This approach helps prevent unnecessary delays and enhances project transparency.

1.1.3 Challenges with Client Communication and Collaboration:

Projects frequently encounter challenges due to inadequate communication between teams and clients, which can result in missed deadlines and misunderstandings of requirements. Our SDCL prioritizes clear and consistent communication, ensuring that clients are actively involved from the planning stage and that regular status updates are maintained throughout the process.

1.1.4 Scope Creep and Inefficient Requirement Gathering:

Without a well-defined scope management process, numerous projects encounter the challenge of scope creep, where extra features are introduced without a thorough evaluation of their effects on timelines. By establishing clear objectives and maintaining ongoing communication with clients, we effectively manage scope and ensure that projects stay on course.

1.1.5 Inefficient Sprint and Task Management:

Traditional sprint management frequently leads to uneven workloads, missed deadlines, and ineffective task distribution. Our SDLC introduces a Continuous Data Integrity (cDI) approach to task breakdown, enhancing the management of capabilities, epics, and stories. This ensures that development tasks are carefully monitored and executed in accordance with our internal guidelines.

1.1.6 Development and QA Misalignment:

A lack of effective collaboration between development (DEV) and quality assurance (QA) teams can jeopardize software quality, often stemming from misunderstandings or miscommunications about feature requirements. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to cultivate ongoing alignment between these teams through regular walkthroughs and demo sessions. This approach not only enhances the overall quality of the software but also reduces the likelihood of errors throughout the development process.

1.1.7 Manual Processes Impacting Development Timelines:

The dependence on manual coding practices, testing, and code reviews can significantly prolong development timelines. Our SDLC integrates automation and established coding standards to optimize the process, minimize manual tasks, and promote more efficient development cycles.

1.1.8 Delayed Code Reviews and Approvals:

The coordination necessary for peer reviews and approvals can frequently create bottlenecks, particularly when managing large codebases. By implementing structured code review processes and automating pipeline management, our SDLC minimizes delays and enhances overall code quality.

1.1.9 Unpredictable Release Management:

Release management in numerous organizations tends to be ad-hoc, resulting in inconsistent quality and deployment challenges. Our SDLC incorporates automated pipelines for both development and release, which guarantees more predictable and repeatable release cycles.

1.1.10 Handling Post-release Feedback and Adjustments:

Without a solid framework, post-release issues or feedback can hinder future sprints and complicate project closure. Our SDLC prioritizes the integration of clear post-release feedback, enabling systematic adjustments while preserving project stability.

1.1.11 Documentation Overload:

The extensive documentation needed for the final release can often overwhelm both internal teams and clients, resulting in delays in project completion. Our SDLC streamlines the documentation process, ensuring that all documents are reviewed, approved, and finalized promptly and efficiently.

By adopting our meticulously structured SDLC, we seek to tackle these prevalent challenges and inefficiencies. Our objective is to foster a seamless, transparent, and high-performing development environment that consistently delivers projects on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.

2.0 Stage 1: Project Initiation and Management

2.1 Setting the Stage for Success

Effective project initiation starts with comprehensive discussions among management, project managers, and key stakeholders to clearly define the project's scope and objectives. Once this foundation is established, assets are created in Jira to streamline management and tracking. The process includes the following steps:

• The project manager submits a ticket for asset creation.

• The QA team sets up the project in Jira, followed by management's approval of the setup.

2.2 Controlled Change Management:

We uphold a stringent change control process that guarantees all system modifications are implemented only after a thorough impact analysis. Every change is meticulously documented, encompassing adjustments to existing instances as well as the establishment of new ones. This approach ensures full transparency and significantly reduces potential disruptions.

2.3 Scope Definition and Planning

2.3.1 Laying a Strong Foundation

Defining user requirements is essential for establishing the project's scope. By collaborating closely with clients, we develop validation plans, conduct risk assessments, and create configuration specifications, ensuring the project is customized to meet their unique needs.

• Client Handshake: We actively engage with client stakeholders to identify all key participants and establish continuous communication through regular status calls.

• Data Management: Client information, meeting notes, and critical decisions are systematically stored and managed in HubSpot CRM.

2.3.2 Setting Up the Environment:

We guarantee that the necessary access and permissions are allocated for all essential environments. This proactive alignment helps prevent bottlenecks as the project progresses.

3.0 Sprint Planning and DevOps Setup

From Vision to Execution: 
Our team employs a thorough sprint management process, effectively organizing tasks and workflows within Jira. Each sprint is meticulously planned to align with the project's milestones, ensuring adherence to internal guidelines that uphold consistency and quality.

• Tasks are segmented into capabilities, epics, and stories, allowing for focused attention on each phase of development.

• The QA manager guarantees that all required Jira issues are created, facilitating efficient project management.

4.0 Stage 4: Development

4.1 Building and Testing with Precision

Once the planning is finalized, we transition into the Development Phase, where collaboration between the development and QA teams is essential for success. This phase emphasizes building, testing, and documenting the system in accordance with the established requirements.

4.1.1 DEV-QA Handshake

Regular demo sessions and walkthroughs are held to facilitate alignment between the QA and Development teams regarding feature specifics. This process ensures that all components, including API documentation and report-specific details (such as document numbers and logos), are thoroughly addressed.

4.1.2 Development Initiation:

• The Manager initiates the project setup by creating the project and base repository.

• The Development Lead then takes charge, establishing branches and pipelines in accordance with our internal guidelines.

• Each developer adheres to stringent coding standards to maintain consistency, minimize code duplication, and follow best practices as outlined in our development SOPs.

4.1.3 Test Automation Code Development:

• Our developers prioritize integrating test automation from the outset, adhering to coding guidelines to create robust and efficient test scripts.

  • Following development, unit testing is conducted locally to produce Test Protocol Execution (TPE) reports, which are reviewed by QA prior to further integration.

  • This ensures compliance with our internal quality standards before the codebase undergoes additional integration.

4.1.4 Collaborative Code Review and Improvement:

• Developers commit their code to feature branches, where it is subjected to peer reviews.

  • A Pull Request (PR) is generated to merge the code into the development branch, and a designated reviewer evaluates the code using internal review checklists.

  • Feedback is integrated, and this process is repeated until all features are successfully merged into the DEV branch.

4.1.5 Pipeline Management for Smooth Delivery:

• Following PR approval, developers adjust the DEV pipeline to ensure proper parameterization (including document ID, header information, and versioning).

  • The DEV pipeline is executed to generate TPEs, which QA meticulously reviews, comparing the results against the feature files.

  • Each TPE must receive approval before the code is deemed ready for release.

4.1.6 Release Pull Request:

• Once all development tasks are finalized, the QA Manager or Development Lead raises a Release Pull Request to merge code from the DEV branch into the RELEASE branch.

  • The Technical Manager performs the final review, confirming that all quality standards are met before merging. This step ensures that the code is prepared for client delivery and production deployment.

This systematic approach guarantees that all features are developed, tested, and validated to meet client expectations, thereby minimizing risks while ensuring the highest quality output.

5.0 Build and Release

5.1 Streamlining the Release Process:

Our release process is meticulously structured to guarantee that all code undergoes validation and approval at each stage:

• Development Pipeline Creation: Developers establish and execute pipelines to produce test reports, which are subsequently reviewed and approved by the QA team.

• Release Pipeline Creation: After the completion of development, the QA team initiates the release pipeline to confirm that the final outputs meet client specifications.

• Client Feedback and Acceptance: Following the client's evaluation, any feedback is addressed through incident tickets, leading to necessary code modifications.

6.0 Final Release and Closure

6.1 Project Wrap-Up and Handover

As the project approaches its conclusion, the QA manager compiles a detailed summary report encompassing all deliverables, test results, and pertinent feedback. Following a thorough review and approval process by both internal teams and the client, the project is ready for production release. We take care to ensure that:

• Client portals are established and tailored to provide clients with secure access to all project documentation, test results, and release notes.

• Training and onboarding materials are supplied to facilitate a seamless transition for client teams who will oversee or utilize the system post-release.

This comprehensive wrap-up ensures that all project objectives are fulfilled and that clients are fully prepared to manage their new system.

6.2 Closing the Loop with Change Requests

All documents have been uploaded, and the change control form is officially closed following the final approval from the operations manager. Our structured approach to managing change requests guarantees that:

• Feedback from the project retrospective is gathered to enhance future processes, fostering continuous improvement in our Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and client engagement strategies.

• A follow-up plan is created to address potential enhancements or modifications based on the client's changing needs, ensuring the long-term success of the project.

At xLM, we view project closure not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of an ongoing improvement journey. By maintaining open lines of communication and providing support after project completion, we empower our clients to maximize the value of their systems while ensuring adherence to evolving regulations.

7.0 Why xLM's SDLC Stands Out

At xLM, we are dedicated to guaranteeing that every tool and process utilized in our Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) undergoes rigorous validation and qualification. This unwavering commitment to compliance and quality control distinguishes us from other service providers. Here’s why our SDLC stands out:

• Decades of Experience in Life Sciences: With over 30 years of experience providing services to life science companies, we have developed a deep understanding of the industry's unique needs, particularly in GxP-regulated environments.

• Built with GxP in Mind: Our SDLC platform was designed from the ground up with GxP compliance in mind in 2016. Since then, it has been continuously updated to stay ahead of evolving regulations and technological advancements, ensuring that our processes remain robust and compliant.

• Serving Pharma, Biotech, and Medtech: Our extensive experience working with both large pharmaceutical companies and nimble biotech and medtech firms has allowed us to establish a gold standard in continuous validation. This diverse expertise ensures that we can cater to the specific needs of each sector, delivering exceptional results every time.

• Managed Services for Cloud Applications: In today's fast-paced digital landscape, cloud applications are constantly evolving. Our SDLC not only supports these dynamic environments but also ensures that all updates and changes are validated through our proven methodology. Our managed services offer continuous validation, ensuring that cloud-based tools remain compliant and secure.

• Superior Service with 100% Regression Testing: One of the hallmarks of our SDLC is our commitment to 100% regression testing. This rigorous approach ensures that all software updates, enhancements, and changes are thoroughly tested, minimizing risk and delivering superior service reliability.

By adhering to these principles, xLM has built an SDLC that delivers exceptional results, with a focus on compliance, quality, and continuous improvement.

7.1 End-to-End Validation of Tools

Every tool utilized in our SDLC is fully qualified, embodying our "take our own medicine" philosophy. This approach ensures that we apply the same rigorous standards to our internal tools as we do for client-facing systems:

• ContinuousSQM (Software Quality Management) agile sprint and quality management (QMS) provides the vehicle to deliver our managed services. The platform is qualified to meet GxP standards.

• ContinuousALM (Application Lifecycle Management), which we employ to oversee testing processes, is fully qualified to support GxP-compliant environments.

• ContinuousSM (IT Service Management) ticketing portal is qualified to manage incidents, changes, and service requests in a controlled and compliant manner.

• ContinuousLMS (Learning Management System), used to facilitate internal training and compliance, is qualified to ensure it meets rigorous industry and regulatory standards.

• ContinuousDM (Document Management), our system for managing document workflows and version control, is fully qualified, ensuring compliance and security in all document-related activities.

• ContinuousRM (Risk Management), which helps us manage risk assessments and mitigation strategies, is qualified to support GxP-compliant risk management practices.

• ContinuousITOM (IT Operations Management) is qualified to provide reliable and compliant IT operations management, ensuring infrastructure stability and compliance across projects.

• Continuous Validation Platform is our in-house automation framework integrated with DevOps that is qualified, ensuring that all testing and automation adhere to the same high standards as the rest of our systems.

By validating and qualifying all the tools used within our SDLC, we ensure that our systems are compliant, reliable, and built to support the rigorous needs of regulated industries.

7.2 Proven Reliability and Compliance

By utilizing these validated tools, we can guarantee our clients that their projects are managed through systems that are both efficient and fully compliant with regulatory standards. This rigorous approach provides us with a distinct advantage, especially in regulated environments where compliance is as vital as innovation.

8.0 Conclusion

Our SDLC is exceptional because it merges the adaptability of contemporary tools with the reliability of validated and qualified systems. This enables us to deliver high-quality outcomes while ensuring regulatory compliance at every phase of the development lifecycle.

9.0 ContinuousTV Audio Podcasts

• AP001: The Magic of ContinuousPdM - Future of PMs
• AP002: The University of Leeds’ AI System Called Optimise that can identify those at high risk for heart problems
• AP003: What is cDI? The NextGen IT Stack for Life Sciences
• AP004: Can your ITOM do this? 

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