IMM Development Cycle

The process of developing  a new computer system or implementing a business improvement project is often referred to as the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) or Development Life Cycle (DLC).

Below are listed the major stages that are included in the Integrated Modelling Method Development Cycle.

Strategy
This is the foundation for all successful projects and consists of the following key activities:

• Find out from senior business executives what the business area in question is meant to be doing and what the project is meant to achieve.
• Build the high level Function and Data Models.
• Get the senior executives to sign off on the models and the way forward.

Analysis
This stage takes the Function and Data models for the Strategy Stage down to the level of detail to enable a computerised system(s) to be designed, built and implemented in a manner that will support all or the stated business requirements.

• Collect all required information
• Analyse this information
• Build relevant models
• Validate models with the business

Design
Using Function, Process and Information Flow models, design the modules for the proposed system. Using the Data Structure Model, design the database for the proposed model.

Build
Build and test the system following the module and database design defined in the Design Stage.

Implement
This now takes the fully tested modules from the Build Stage and makes them live in the business.

• Migrate all information from any existing systems or enter all necessary reference data.
• Train all users of the system.
• Test the system under full business loading.
• Hand the system over to the business.