Each client determines the scope of our involvement based on the complexity of the project, or the size and skill set of the client’s own staff.  

Following is a brief overview of our services:

• Software Process

• Requirements Analysis

• Design and Implementation

• Quality Assurance

• Documentation & Hand-off

• Ancillary Services (Technical Training and Consultation, Documentation)

Software Process

An effective software process is essential for creating high quality medical and laboratory products.  Therefore, one of the first steps of the project is to meet with your staff to determine details of the software process -- selecting tools, determining how reviews will be handled, and deciding on the approach to configuration management and testing.  While Syncro Medical has a well defined software development process of its own which can be used for the project, many clients ask that we adapt to their process, which we are happy to do. 

The approach to documentation will be planned as well during this early stage.  Often, Syncro Medical uses the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to create and review design, and also to document the results for regulatory submission and ongoing support and maintenance. 

Requirements Analysis

Successful software development begins with a clear understanding of product requirements.  Syncro Medical engineers are available to work with your team to define and document requirements.  In many cases, we utilize Rapid Prototyping techniques to help our clients more quickly decide on workflow, screen layout, and general "look and feel".  (In some cases, the prototype is used by the client's sales staff to begin pre-selling the product while development is underway.)

Syncro Medical has extensive experience in translating end-user requirements to underlying software requirements, and then documenting them to provide a solid framework for subsequent design, implementation and test.  Using such tools as Doors or Requisite Pro, Syncro initiates the requirements traceability process during this step.

Design and Implementation

Software Design Syncro Medical design engineers transform Functional and Software Requirements into accurate, detailed Software Design Specifications - the blueprint for development. Each Syncro-developed system architecture balances ease of coding, functional efficiency and long-term supportability. During this stage, Syncro conducts Design Reviews with client staff to ensure that the proposed technical approach meets all client requirements. The resulting design is documented using tools and methods approved by the client -- most often UML.  This allows for effective review, as well as serving as the basis for subsequent implementation.  Development During the development stage, Syncro Medical staff is exceptionally focused and productive.  Since our developers have worked together on projects for years, we offer the benefit of ready-made teams and surprisingly fast ramp-up.  To maximize productivity, we can also utilize available software components from your predecessor products, if appropriate.  Software is developed iteratively, with periodic interim software releases which allow the client to closely track progress and ensure that the deliverable meets requirements.  Syncro’s flexible approach to development ensures that functional or design changes can be easily accommodated.  Regular design, code and test plan reviews provide assurance that your process is being followed correctly.

Quality Assurance

Working closely with the client, the Syncro Medical team develops a comprehensive Test Plan.  Typically, test scripts are written during this stage and automated testing tools are utilized where appropriate.  Depending on client preference, Syncro Medical can also support the project's Verification and Validation activities, beta testing, and phased roll-out. 

Documentation and Hand-off

At Syncro Medical, we understand that correctly working software is only one element of a successful project.  The quality of the documentation can be just as important for the success of your regulatory submission and for your ongoing support and maintenance of the product.  Prior to hand-off, the complete documentation package, including requirements and design documents, source code, test plans and test results, is updated and prepared for final review and submission. 

About Our Technical Project Managers

The Technical Project Manager assigned to your project does much more than just update Gantt charts. Since this individual is an experienced software engineer, he/she plays a critical role in overseeing the effort, while actively participating in development and review of software design and code.

Additionally, the Technical Project Manager is your primary Syncro liaison, keeping you abreast of project progress and concerns via weekly progress reports and ad hoc phone calls, emails and meetings.

Project Management

Professional Project Management is critical to the success of every Syncro engagement.  Our objective is to minimize the amount of time your staff needs to spend on the day-to-day planning and oversight of the project.

Each project begins with a joint client/Syncro kick-off meeting in which key personnel review the proposal, identify and clarify open issues, exchange documents and equipment, and start the project's Analysis and Design phase.

Once the Software Design Specifications are finalized, your Syncro Technical Project Manager updates the Project Plan, including the schedule and staffing assignments.  Syncro manages the project by identifying and monitoring a large number of small, specifically definable tasks.  In this way, overall project status is tracked very accurately.

Effective client communications is a key element of Syncro's proven approach to project management.   During the first two weeks, your Technical Project Manager is in touch with you frequently to discuss progress and open issues.  At the two-week point, Syncro's senior engineering manager schedules a "confidence check" with you to ensure compliance and client satisfaction.  Throughout the project, written Progress Reports are emailed to you every Monday.  Your Syncro Technical Project Manager will call to review the report with you, focusing on progress during the previous week, plans for the current week, and any issues that may impact project success.  Syncro senior management remains involved and easily accessible throughout the project

Ancillary Services

Technical Training

Syncro Medical offers technical training to client staff in such areas as UML (Unified Modeling Language), and Windows internals.  Instead of a traditional “classroom” setting, Syncro engineers provide training in the context of the client’s actual development project.  Concepts are immediately applied to the project currently underway, resulting in more effective learning.

Technical Consultation

Syncro Medical engineers are available to apply their specialized expertise to consultation projects, such as researching alternative technologies, rapidly prototyping potential solutions, and designing and executing performance analysis studies.  These efforts have helped clients quickly decide on optimal approaches and designs in order to accelerate the product development effort. 

End-user Documentation Services

Should there be a need for assistance with end-user documentation (e.g., on-line help, user manuals, tutorials) Syncro Medical can help.