When undertaking any type of service for a client, you need a variety of documents. It’s critical that you take your time and figure out which steps are most important for your project. The scope of work document is one such item.
It is essential to have proper documentation for every aspect of your startup when you begin your project journey. This proves to be a very important part of the business at all times. It also allows you to keep your workflow under control.
Whenever you collaborate with people it is easy for miscommunication or presumptions to set the project off course and this is one of the primary reasons why the scope of work is such an important document!
What is the Scope of the work document?
The Scope of Work agreement or SOW is a document detailing everything from work details to schedules, terms and expected outcomes which is referred by the collaborating parties throughout the course of the project. Not just this but it also saves you from irrelevant feature additions and taking your project delivery beyond what was initially promised.
Let’s think of the scope of work document as a map guiding you to complete any project – from re-designing a website to building a mobile app.
What information does this document hold/provide?
Basically, the SoW is a document covering a work agreement between two parties often referred to as the Client (You) and the Contractor/Vendor (Company you’re working with). SoW is essentially required to ensure that the expectations are clear and agreed upon by both parties. Having said so, there are specific sections usually found in this document including:
- Schedules and milestones
- Project objectives
- Deliverables
- Individual tasks
- Expected outcomes
- Terms and conditions
- Payment agreements
Why creating this document is important?
When you are working on any project, you need to ensure everyone is on the same page while creating a proper layout which can be analysed and reviewed by the client.
The scope of work document is the perfect guideline for a website and mobile app development company. It not only serves as the main document to follow during the journey but also helps you avoid some of the biggest traps like -Miscommunication, scope disputes, misinterpreting expectations, and the need for re-work.
The steps to create the SoW (Scope of Work) for development
Now with this basic understanding of a scope of work and its purpose let’s look at the basic outline of what it should include
- Introduction of the project
Before diving into the specifics of the project, getting an introduction to the project is essential, as it gives all parties involved a brief on the project goals. It also makes you understand what the development process should accomplish.
- Business overview
Describe the business venture and the reason why this project is being done. A basic explanation of the project, the idea, business objectives and expected outcomes are a few things which should be highlighted.
- User journey details
Outline a high level but simple explanation of the customer journey that the mobile app needs to deliver. This would help set the tone for the design and development team to then incorporate relevant designs and features within the mobile application.
- Mobile app/ website features
This section must highlight the major features required in your mobile app or website. These are not specific deliverables but must include an overview of major features that would be necessary for the mobile app or website which can then be broken down into specific deliverables by the app development team.
- Design theme
Designing a website or mobile application can be a very complex process as well. It may require a certain amount of going back and forth to the specifics. The designs must be relevant to the business idea, user journey, and target audience and must also cater to points like customer retention, ease of conversion etc.
This is something that you should discuss with the development team. If you have a design in mind, you need to make sure that you inform to the development team to take it into consideration.
Budget & Timeline
Finally, the budget and timeframe of the project are going to play a major role in this process. It is essential to define this properly as the budget depends on the timeline and vice versa. Keep in mind that any type of addition to the SOW could alter the timeline and overall cost of the project.
How can an experienced company help with creating an SoW?
Utilizing the services of an experienced software development company with expertise in the digital transformation of businesses can have a huge impact on the quality and delivery of a project. Your goal here should be to find a company with the right team and work ethics. Not only this but with their experience the company also assists with creating the scope document highlighting the schedule, features, budget, objectives etc.
Identifying and opting for an experienced software development company should primarily be based on one key process i.e., communication! You would want a partner who is trustworthy, proactive, and honest. You should also keep in mind to check the technical stack, specialities, and capabilities of the company.
Final thoughts
There are many things that need to be defined when you are looking to start any kind of software or mobile app development process. Keeping it brief, documenting it at an early stage, seeking a technical writer’s help, and being clear about what the project should include or not include are some key points which can make a difference.
The Scope of Work document creates a solid foundation for any application development process.
