The road to GreenCommerce Future Proof
On January 30, we introduced the first screens of GreenCommerce Future Proof during the second edition of the Padel Event. While for many customers this was their first encounter with Future Proof, we at jem-id have been working on it for much longer. Although we are now fully focused on development, this was preceded by extensive research. In this update, we take a closer look at this research phase. How did the outcome of this phase bring us to where we are today?
Reason for the research method
“We knew that if we were going to take the leap, it would have to be preceded by extensive research. We can’t just start developing randomly and then discover that we’re heading in the wrong direction. That’s why we went back to the drawing board with a small committee, which resulted in a scoring system. With this method, we can evaluate every component in GreenCommerce using value points. The higher the score, the higher the priority,” begins Toni van Bergenhenegouwen, developer at GreenCommerce.
The scoring system applies to all components within GreenCommerce and always carries the same value. This means it concerns an extensive list of components. Prioritization is determined by adding up the value points and comparing them. Toni continues: “A value score is built through an evaluation across four topics: user impact, process criticality, recognizability, and strategic value.”
User impact determines how often a functionality is used in practice. How essential the functionality is for the company is covered under process criticality. In addition, recognizability is important to quickly get users on board, and strategic value determines the vision and product roadmap for GreenCommerce.
The value points provide an indication for the development planning, but this does not mean that a component will automatically be developed first if it has received a higher score. Toni continues: “The value points system gives us as a team the direction we need to create a logical structure. This is important for creating a long-term plan. However, it remains human work, so we must continue to think logically. If a component is less critical but fits better within the bigger picture, we may choose to prioritize it.”
Because GreenCommerce Future Proof is a multi-year project, we have spent a lot of time establishing a timeline. The timeline not only provides perspective for customers, but also creates concrete milestones that we want to work towards. The planning is not set in stone. That would not be ideal either, Toni explains: “There can always be unforeseen matters that arise and take priority at that moment. Think of legislation, mandatory integrations, and so on. We need to remain flexible in that.”
We will cover the release strategy in a future update about GreenCommerce Future Proof.
Do you have questions or would you like more information about GreenCommerce Future Proof? Contact us via info@greencommerce.nl or call +31 174 - 642 622.
