As a former Business Analyst at Corelation, I have gained valuable insights into the world of custom development for credit unions. With each credit union being unique, custom development is essential for their growth and innovation process. Having worked closely with KeyStone clients, I’ve witnessed the power of a flexible core system and the exceptional talent of Corelation’s development team. In this blog post, I aim to share my expertise with credit unions interested in navigating custom development projects more effectively.
Custom development refers to creating tailored software solutions to cater to specific needs, enhancing operational efficiency and the overall member experience. This process is necessary when KeyStone’s out-of-the-box solutions cannot quite meet the unique requirements of an organization. Custom development is carried out through effective communication, collaboration and accountability between the credit union and the Corelation team.
Drawing from my experience, here are some key steps to follow for a successful custom development project.
1. Start Strong
Take your time to begin with clearly defined project requirements and goals; this can aid in avoiding scope creep as the custom development project proceeds. Ensure that all internal stakeholders are on the same page and that deadlines are met. Establish clear project goals, foster open communication and manage project priorities effectively. Ask and address all questions; keeping pertinent department stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project is crucial for success.
2. During Development
Conduct thorough User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to ensure the solution meets the custom development project’s requirements and passes each of the scenarios within the CDR’s “User Acceptance” section. Be mindful to prevent scope creep, the uncontrolled or unmanaged expansion of project requirements. At times during UAT additional requirements/functionality of the custom development are requested; this should be avoided to prevent delays and often cause increased costs. This further emphasizes the necessity of starting the project with clearly defined project requirements and goals.
3. Go Live
Before implementing the custom development, make sure the impacted team(s) is aware of the changes and prepared for a smooth transition. Maintain open communication channels to address any concerns or questions and ensure that your credit union can celebrate and enjoy the successful completion of the project.
By following these guidelines and maintaining effective communication, collaboration and accountability between your credit union and your core, you can ensure the success of your custom development project. If you find that you need additional help navigating the realm of custom development, Trellance is here to support you with experienced professionals, who have a deep understanding of the KeyStone core system and the unique needs of credit unions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Trellance if you require assistance in your custom development journey.
Adam Lucier is a Keystone business analyst at Trellance.
