Software development has a lot of jargon, and one of the tricky parts of working in the industry is that not everyone uses the jargon consistently.
For example, take the word "deliverable."
What exactly does it mean?
A deliverable is a specific output produced as part of the software development project. A deliverable should be quantifiable and measurable.
Deliverables can be big or small, and the number of deliverables can depend on the project.
For software development agencies, it's critical to clearly and specifically define your deliverables at the outset of a project. This helps the project finish successfully, and it leads to greater client satisfaction.
In this post, we'll share best practices for writing your deliverables, and we'll introduce you to Archie, our AI product architect that can help you write more comprehensive deliverables.
Before diving into best practices, let’s clarify some key terms in software project management, starting with product deliverables and project deliverables.
Product deliverables are the final products or services that meet customer requirements. Examples include a completed software application, a user manual or a deployed web service.
Project deliverables are the various outputs needed to complete a project. These include reports, plans, schedules and intermediate software builds. Both types are important but serve different purposes and audiences.
Objectives define what the project aims to achieve and are broader goals guiding the project’s direction. Examples include improving system performance by 20%, increasing user engagement or reducing operational costs.
A product deliverable, such as a newly launched product feature, can help support an objective like improving system performance or increasing user engagement.
Milestones are significant points or events in the project timeline that mark progress. Examples include completing a project phase, achieving a major feature implementation or passing a critical review.
To put it all together in a simple example:
Different types of deliverables play distinct roles in project management, ensuring that all aspects of a project are covered.
Internal deliverables are produced for and used within the project team.
Examples include project plans, status reports and internal presentations. They help keep the team aligned and ensure that the project stays on track.
External deliverables are provided to clients, stakeholders or end-users.
Examples include the final product, customer reports, and user manuals. They directly impact client satisfaction and the perceived success of the project.
Tangible deliverables are physical items or concrete outputs.
Examples include hardware, software, or completed structures. They are easily measured and evaluated against specifications.
Intangible deliverables include outputs like services, research findings or improvements in processes.
Examples include a performance optimization service, a market research report, or a new development methodology. They are harder to quantify but are crucial for achieving the project’s overall goals.
Deliverable definition should begin as early as the project initiation phase. During this phase, you outline the project's objectives, scope and high-level deliverables in the project charter.
The project charter serves as the foundation for all future project planning and ensures that everyone is on the same page from the start.
Once the project charter is established, you should further detail your deliverables in the scope document. This document breaks down the deliverables into specific, actionable items, providing clarity on what needs to be produced and delivered at each stage of the project.
Including detailed descriptions, acceptance criteria and delivery timelines helps prevent ambiguity and sets clear expectations.
When it comes to defining your deliverables, it's all about ensuring clarity and alignment.
Clearly define what each deliverable includes. Detail the components, expected outcomes and any specific criteria that need to be met.
This specificity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone knows exactly what is expected.
Define deliverables at a level of granularity that balances detail with manageability.
Too granular, and the project can become bogged down with micromanagement; too broad, and you risk missing critical details.
Aim to break down deliverables into actionable tasks that can be completed within a reasonable timeframe, typically aligning with the length of a sprint or milestone. This approach ensures clarity and accountability while maintaining momentum.
Ensure that your deliverables support the project’s objectives.
Every deliverable should contribute to achieving the overall goals of the project. This alignment keeps the project focused and relevant to its intended purpose.
Engage stakeholders in the process of defining deliverables.
Their input is vital for ensuring that the deliverables meet business needs and client expectations. This involvement also fosters buy-in and reduces resistance to changes.
Define clear, measurable criteria for evaluating the success of each deliverable.
This might include quality standards, performance benchmarks or specific metrics. Measurable criteria make it easier to assess whether a deliverable meets the required standards.
Keep thorough records of all deliverables, including their definitions, criteria, and any changes made during the project.
Documentation helps track progress, provides a reference for future projects, and ensures transparency and accountability within the team.
Defining project deliverables can be time-consuming and complicated, especially when the project doesn't become billable until it has been kicked off.
That's why we made Archie.
Archie, 8base's AI product architect, enables teams to define deliverables with the right level of granularity and measurability, ensuring comprehensive project specifications and effective stakeholder communication. It automates much of the time-consuming setup work, allowing you to get your project billable sooner.
Working with Archie begins with a simple prompt.
Give it basic information about your project, and Archie quickly builds out technical, architectural and UX specifications to help your team develop more comprehensive requirements.
Archie will take things further by producing a detailed Statement of Work (SOW), including well-defined deliverables.
Clearly defining and documenting deliverables is essential for successful project management in software development.
By leveraging tools like Archie, you can streamline this process, ensuring precision and efficiency.
We're excited about helping you achieve amazing results.
