There is an opinion that the terms of reference only create obstacles in the development process, pushes them into the framework and, in fact, this is a waste of time, since the project is a living and constantly growing structure that requires constant adjustments. Is it so?
At our request, NTI-systems will tell you why you need to write TK.
A detailed assignment is a must !. The fact is that the absence of TK is beneficial primarily to the developer, and not to the client.
First of all, the lack of technical specifications allows you to stretch the time to complete the order and increase the budget due to emerging additions. This is a good cover for an inexperienced artist. It gives him the opportunity to reduce the amount of work and take "left" orders. If you are offered to start work without drafting technical specifications, you should immediately refuse the services of unscrupulous performers.
The terms of reference are almost on par with the contract. It describes the purpose of the work, the main tasks and the established payment procedure, time frame and much more. This is the main document on which the developer should rely during the execution of the order. It is necessary to think over and register all the conditions and requirements to the smallest detail, in order to avoid conflict situations during the delivery of the project.
It is useful, along with well-known requirements (logical structure, completeness, focus), to add several conditions.
Each time you make changes to the project, the customer must take into account the subsequent increase in the time frame and allocated resources.
You should monitor the compliance of the task with what was planned at the beginning. To do this, you may need a separate person who, if necessary, will be able to agree on the differences in development and draw up everything in writing. It does not matter which side, the customer or the contractor, he will be located. Comments on the correction of TK should be taken into work and the necessary changes should be made in accordance with them.
The structure of TK may be different, but there are several points that should be present in it:
- Description of technical requirements with standards;
- clear structure;
- functional in the content of isolated structural components;
- timelines and content of work;
- project cost.
The terms of reference using these items can be considered complete.
Following these simple rules will help you create exactly what you want, not the developer.