The evaluation phase of software projects: How your project gets off to a perfect start with KUMAVISION

Carsten Severin

As Head of Project Management Office (PMO) at KUMAVISION, he is responsible for project implementation and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Scrum Master and Product Owner

Software projects have become an integral part of everyday life. But even if a corresponding IT project is no longer necessarily highly complex and only reserved for computer scientists, there are still demanding and tricky projects that need to be well thought out and strategically planned. The evaluation phase is the foundation for this. But what does this phase actually look like at KUMAVISION? What do we offer and how do we work with our customers to understand their individual needs and goals? In the interview, Carsten Severin, Head of Project Management Office and certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), explains the specific steps and services to ensure a perfect start. 

What does the evaluation phase mean at KUMAVISION?

Carsten Severin: At KUMAVISION, the evaluation phase is much more than just getting to know each other. We delve deeply into the customer's IT landscape, its business processes and its business environment. Our product and project offerings are flexible and can extend to various areas, from ERP to CRM to other Microsoft platform products.

What specific industry know-how does KUMAVISION bring to the evaluation phase?

Carsten Severin: We don't come empty-handed. Our team brings specific, industry-focused process lists that serve as a starting point for further analysis. This allows us to quickly identify in which areas companies are already well positioned and where there is a need for optimization.

How does KUMAVISION's project approach adapt to the customer's way of working?

Carsten Severin: The way companies work influences the project approach. We usually work with a hybrid approach that includes both classic and agile elements, depending on what suits the company best.

Keyword time: What role does this play in the evaluation phase?

Carsten Severin: Our consultants take time for the evaluation phase, in which the focus is on the customer. This time is essential to clarify all important aspects and to ensure that the later steps of the project are based on a solid understanding of the client's needs.

What is the next step after the evaluation phase?

Carsten Severin: After the evaluation phase, we offer our SmartStart methodology. This means that customers receive a prepared, standardized system that they can work with directly. Customizations and adjustments can be made in later workshops if necessary.

How does KUMAVISION ensure quality at the end of the evaluation phase?

Carsten Severin: At the end of the evaluation phase, companies receive a recommendation for action and an individual project offer from us. Based on previously defined fulfillment criteria for approval, the so-called quality gate, you always have the choice: you can accept our offer or make a different decision. The evaluation phase is not binding, but gives you valuable insights.

So in summary you can say...

Carsten Severin: The evaluation phase at KUMAVISION is a simple procedure for identifying the specific needs and goals of a company. It is the first and crucial step on the way to a successful software project. I am proud of the successes that KUMAVISION has achieved with this approach in recent years and we continue to work together to act in the interests of our potential customers.