Iconic Methodology Framework

ICONIC follow a structured methodology framework for the planning and consistent delivery of our products and services.  Built upon an agile foundation the ICONIC Methodology Framework (IMF) applies industry standard best practices and project governance in order to track a projects progress and realise a projects benefits.

IMF is spilt into 4 main stages.  Each stage ensures a robust and adaptable approach, tailored to meet a projects size and complexity. 

1Assessment

The purpose of the Assessment stage is to provide a solid foundation from which a project can be successfully delivered.  This is achieved by fully understanding the business requirements and drivers behind the project, analysing the current infrastructure estate and gathering all the information necessary for the next stage in the IMF lifecycle, the Design and Evaluation stage.

This initial phase consists of three main components;

• Qualification — This phase consists of working in partnership with our clients to determine the projects business drivers and requirements.  Qualification is typically carried out through the use of Requirements Definition Workshops, starting the close working relationship ICONIC enjoys with our clients.

• Assessment Services — A process of discovery against the existing IT services.  This phase is carried out by fully accredited ICONIC Consultants applying industry standard tools and best practices.  Assessment Services applies a flexible approach; adaptable to application, desktop and infrastructure information gathering.

• Assessment Report — The assessment report provides a collection point for all the data gathered during the Assessment Stage.  Providing valuable insights and the information required for the Design and Evaluation Stage to formulate an accurate solution design.

2Design & Evaluation

The Design and Evaluation stage has two main goals.  Firstly, this stage encompasses a conceptual design of the overall solution components, based upon the information and business requirements captured during the Assessment Stage.  Secondly, evaluation involves a more detailed technical investigation into the proposed solution, identifying and addressing potential risks early in the projects lifecycle.

The Design & Evaluation Stage comprises of three main components;

• Design Workshop(s) — Involves fully trained ICONIC Technical Architects working in partnership with key client representatives to begin the design process and solidify the projects technical relationship.  During the Design Workshops findings from the Assessment stage are reviewed, technical training requirements are identified, and the scope for the high level design is agreed.

• High Level Design – provides a conceptual overview of proposed solution components.  The HLD is produced using output from the design workshops and findings of the Assessment Stage.  The HLD is verified against the projects business requirements and the design parameters agreed during the Design Workshops.  

• Proof of Concept – The aim of the proof of concept phase is to demonstrate the desired features of the proposed solution in a non production environment.  ICONIC offer several packaged options for PoC deployments to ensure all client requirements are fulfilled.

3Delivery

The objective of the Delivery Stage is to build upon the output from Design and Evaluation Stage, to develop a low-level solution design, which is validated in a pre-production environment prior to production roll out.  Both Pilot and Production implementations are carried out by highly accredited ICONIC Technical Consultants working in partnership with client IT staff, providing the platform for a successful implementation strategy.

The Delivery Stage comprises of five main components;

• Detailed Level Design – Fully describes the proposed solutions components and configuration.  Adhering to industry standard best practices and policies the DLD provides the foundation for the ICONIC consultant and engineering teams to begin delivering the solution components.  Any assumptions and associated configurations documented within the DLD are validated during the Pilot build phase.

• Pilot Build – The objective of the Pilot Build phase is to validate the configurations and assumptions of the solution documented within the Detailed Level Design.  The Pilot Build phase is an critical part of the ICONIC approach, presenting both an opportunity for clients to become familiar with the proposed solution, gaining valuable hands on knowledge, and ensuring any small issues can be addressed prior to production roll out.

• Testing – ICONIC see testing as an iterative process performed throughout the projects lifecycle, working closely with client application owners and technical staff . ICONIC offer a wide range of testing services and tools, coupled with a library of test plans to cater for all types of requirements, such as UAT, Unit, Operational, Integration and Scalability.  Rigorous testing is a key enabler to the stability and performance of any solution delivered by the ICONIC Methodology Framework.

• Production Build – The objective of the Production Build phase is to deploy the designed and tested solution into the client environment.  ICONIC consultancy and engineering teams deliver the proposed solution under the guidance of an assigned Pre Sales Consultant.  Regular checkpoint review meetings are encouraged to provide quality assurance throughout this phase of the project.

• Documentation – Documentation is an integral part of the ICONIC Methodology Framework, with key technical documentation, such as operational and build documentation, forming a bridge between the Delivery and Support Stages of the IMF.  IMF provides document control and a peer review process to ensure all technical and project support documentation is accurate and delivered when required to the client.

4Support

The objective of the Support stage is to ensure ICONIC clients have proactive support for the new solution.  The ICONIC Methodology Framework provides a combination of knowledge transfer, training and post-installation support services, to ensure the level of support defined by the projects business requirements can be fulfilled.

The Support Stage comprises of three main components;

• Environment Handover -  ICONIC offer a phased approach to solution handover, providing a controlled and planned transition with minimal disruption.  All updated documentation is provided to the client and operational support procedures reviewed to ensure a robust support infrastructure is in place.   

• Knowledge Transfer & Training – Although knowledge transfer is undoubtedly a key phase in the ICONIC Methodology Framework Support Stage, ICONIC actively encourages knowledge transfer throughout the projects entire lifecycle.  ICONIC tailors solution training to suit client requirements, ranging from providing bespoke training options to facilitating the most appropriate Vendor product training.

• After Care Support Service – ICONIC understands each client and project is unique and as such has developed a support service to cater for a breadth of requirements.  ICONIC provides both on site and remote support capabilities, health check services, expert guidance on appropriate Vendor support packages, and dedicated Sales and Technical contacts to continue the strong relationship ICONIC enjoys with its customers after a project is finished.

Make your IT vision an ICONIC reality

Why Iconic— Building successful relationships with our clients is at the heart of our business. With many years of IT experience and by becoming an extension of our clients IT function, we have built longer lasting partnerships based on honesty, quality, trust, delivery and client understanding.

Your systems and technologies demand that the right resources are matched perfectly to their environments; there is no cutting of corners, no ‘make-dos’, no ‘one-size fits-all’.

Achieving successful outcomes is our proof of doing just that. As in any collaborative process, trust must be there from the outset and responsibility taken for the tasks in hand; our track  record speaks for itself and we’re justifiably very proud of our work.

If you would like to find out more about how Iconic IT can help your business with our IT support and consultancy services then please contact us today on 0330 088 3338.