Central energy master data application

It all started with an analysis of the business processes. The resulting quantity structure spoke for the necessity of an iterative approach. A waterfall model was not an option, either in terms of time or risk. In order to transfer the data from the existing system to the structures of the new model, they all had to be compared and verified for accuracy and completeness. This was the only way to create the conditions for data migration. PTA GmbH was able to contribute its project experience to this task. Their approach was based on modern project management methods and included elements such as “extreme programming” and “agile project management”. The basis was a cyclical working method in which a development phase is followed by a refactoring phase. While new functionalities are created in the development phase, the focus in the refactoring phase is on technological aspects. For each cycle, the data from the old system is migrated to the new data structures. The joint teams of EHA and PTA employees were trained in this approach. In each team, an analyst defined the requirements in cooperation with the technical experts and then implemented them promptly together with up to four developers. In addition to the analytical and technological tasks, the project management team also managed the specialist content in terms of priorities and deadlines. Involving the key users in the test team reduced the risk during the smooth transition to productive operation.