Deliverables:

Definition of "Quality" (explicitly defining what quality means)

Gap analysis between currrent processes and desired quality

QA and Release Mgmt staff review (right people for the job? Additional training requirements?)

Identification of metrics and key performance indicators

RACI development (who is responsibile, accountable, consulted, and informed for each significant element in the lifecycle of product or service)

Point solutions, e.g. implementation of release planning and management process; post-delivery feedback process; process improvements, etc.

Sandra Piotrowski, Quality Management

   Pragmatic, Value-Added Processes and Practices

                                                       "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." -- Seneca

Sandra J. Piotrowski

Investors

Congratulations!

You've funded someone's dreams and will hopefully continue to fund your own or you are on the brink of doing so.

As you are well aware, startups and established but undercapitalized companies, are full of passionate, committed staff, and amazing drive. They are also full of short-cuts, "close enoughs," and home-grown "temporary" solutions.

One way to ensure the company is ultimately successful, is to assure they have tools, staff, and structure in place that allow them to consistently deliver excellent quality products and services, on time and on budget.

During the evaluation process, no doubt you reviewed P&L statements, sales and marketing plans, product and development roadmaps. Did you also review:

Their deliveries to date along with respective timeliness, completeness, perceived quality?
Do their growth plans include provisions for on-going quality measurements and improvements?
How about internal communication protocols and processes to assure clarity, communication, and "get it right the first time" practices?

With over twenty years of experience in companies ranging from start-ups to 60K person enterprises, I have hands-on experience in assessing, developing, implementing, and living with processes designed to "get it right" the first time.

Further, resources are finite and my experience includes making the pennies scream before any additional resources (time, staff, money) are committed. Thoughtful examination of what is presently available and in use against what is desired in the terms of delivery quality will produce practical, value-added recommendations. Recommendations that work with what is in place and what the company aspires to.

For example, creating the long term strategy for a comprehensive development and release process, along with the day-to-day tactics that will allow the team to build up to the desired level over time and as additional resources become available. At the same time, assuring the new or improved processes do not get in the way of delivering existing commitments and projects in progress.

For more information: sandra@sandrapiotrowski.com or 425.985.8833