Good Build Documentation Pays Forward
By Marti Stupka & Sheila Andrews

A comprehensive build tracking tool should be initiated early in an implementation and serve as a source of central documentation for each module. The tool is useful in design sessions to record decisions and the resulting build. Additionally, using a consistent naming, number and style convention is helpful for a clean, confident build.

A multi-tabbed spreadsheet workbook that contains the columns within each tab identifying which environment (i.e. Pre Production, Test, Train, Proof of Concept and Production) in which the build was completed is recommended.

The titles or types of tabs may include:

• Decisions: from build design and validation sessions
• Workflow Validation: name each workflow and track the validation of each
• Task Tab: assists in tracking the high-level tasks associated with building each module. The owner can be associated with each task and an estimate of how much build time remains until a particular task is complete
• Issues Follow-up: to track priority, date opened, Epic owner and build team owner
• Individual tabs for each module specific Masterfile
• Individual tabs for the Masterfiles that are owned by a module and also shared among other applications. (An example might be that Clin Doc owns SmartLinks and Ambulatory owns Inbasket)
• Security tab: for module specific security items

It is critical that all build team members keep the tool current during all phases of the implementation lifecycle, including changes made in production during Go- Live, stabilization and optimization phases.

Benefits of using a build tracking tool include:

• Tracking build progress, issues and validation
• Gauging build completeness
• Planning and managing environments so that environments are in sync*
• Troubleshooting during and after Go Live
• Execution of Testing- Unit, Application, Interface, Integrated, Volume & Stress
• Testing: Special Updates and Upgrades
• Essential for knowledge transfer for new build team members
Confidence and competence of build

* It is important that the environment used for loading and testing Special Updates is in sync with the Production environment.

Using a comprehensive, up to date build tracking tool has multiple benefits throughout the implementation lifecycle and is a solution that can facilitate, achieve, and maintain a successful implementation.

For more information on building tracking tools please contact our corporate office at 610-444-1233 or visit our website at www.getvitalized.com.

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