Success Case: Abix Tecnologia - Specification for System Migration to the Cloud

The systems specification consists of clearly and in detail documenting the functional and non-functional requirements of a software project. This is when business objectives, user needs, technological resources and success indicators are aligned. This process can involve everything from describing expected functionalities to performance, usability and security constraints. 

In a software development context, the specification acts as a solid guide for all teams involved: developers, designers, testers and project managers. When well-prepared, it reduces communication noise, as everyone has a unified understanding of the objectives and characteristics of the final product. This clarity avoids rework and accelerates the delivery of value to the customer. 

In addition, a good specification also favors the early identification of potential risks and problems, enabling corrections or adaptations during the planning phase. This results in time and cost savings, as changes detected early tend to be less costly than adjustments made in the final stages of development. 

Another crucial point is that the specification provides a secure basis for the creation of quality metrics and indicators. With a well-defined set of requirements, it is possible to measure whether the software is being built in accordance with the established goals and, therefore, maintain more assertive control over the progress of the project. 

Finally, it is worth highlighting that the importance of the specification is not limited to the initial stage of development. It serves as a living record that can (and should) be reviewed throughout the project, ensuring the continuous evolution of the software in an orderly manner. In an increasingly competitive market, having a well-structured specification process contributes to more efficient, safe deliveries that are aligned with the client's needs. 

Abix Tecnologia Success Case 

Abix Tecnologia aimed to modernize its Pro Radius system—originally developed in Clipper—which handled logistics, commercial, and financial operations. The system operated with separate databases at each branch, limiting integration and scalability. Consequently, Abix decided to migrate Pro Radius to a more modern solution, integrating databases, ensuring compliance with market standards, and allowing for seamless operation in the cloud. Additionally, the system had to integrate with the existing Protheus PIPA ERP. 

The documentation for Pro Radius was outdated, making it challenging to accurately estimate the development effort. Visionnaire addressed this by creating comprehensive new documentation, including a Project Document outlining processes and macro-processes (BPM: Level 01 and Level 02) and a Vision Document specifying functionalities or activities (BPM: Level 03). A Use Case Diagram illustrated these functionalities, while a Use Case document with WireFrames or User Stories (BPM: Level 04) captured user interface tasks. 

This thorough approach defined functional and non-functional requirements, process flows, and acceptance criteria, ensuring a shared vision among stakeholders. It also enabled Abix’s IT team to plan for the necessary development steps, maintaining clarity and reducing rework. 

Abix already had experience implementing solutions in a data center, which aided the cloud-based deployment across its branches. Visionnaire brought over 28 years of software development expertise to the project, adapting tools and processes to Abix’s needs. They utilized Atlassian Confluence for documentation, Atlassian Wiki, Trello, and Jira for administrative and development tasks, and followed UML methodologies with both open-source and IBM/Rational tools. 

Ultimately, this comprehensive specification and documentation allowed Abix to estimate its development effort more accurately, facilitating a smooth migration of Pro Radius to a cutting-edge, web-enabled environment. 

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