Specify the Solution, Project Manager

A solution is proposed which meets the project requirements. The solution specifies in non-technical terms ‘what’ the solution consists of, and what it will do

Identify a solution that meets the requirements
Identify the acceptance criteria for the solution
Review and agree the solution and acceptance criteria with the client.

For small projects, the proposal document may clearly define the specification of the solution (See proposal section 3.0. Larger projects may require the development of a separate functional specification document.

The specification may also take the form of a specified and designed process (See the Process Management Process). This information may provide sufficient information to identify the functionality of the solution. Other functional information such as performance, maintenance, etc will need to be in this document. (NOTE: The Process supports the Functional Iteration in DSDM, while the remaining parts of the Functional Specification supports the Design and Build Iterations in DSDM.)

The specification of the solution has been reviewed and approved by the Project Executive.

SDLC_TPL002 Functional Specification.

Functional Specification Contents

Solution Design and Development

Reference 1

Functional Specification Contents

The functional specification contains the following information:

Sections	Description
1.0 Overview	A brief overview of the solution. Provide a short description, the key interfaces, and solution requirements.
2.0 Solution Environment	Describe the environment for the solution. In particular, the key interfaces and considerations, such as safety and security, standards conformance, compatibility.
3.0 Solution Detail	Provide a description of the functionality of the solution. This description states ‘what’ each of the functions is to perform and the associated acceptance criteria for the functions. This section does not specify how the functions will be implemented.
4.0 Solution Usage and Support	Describe the elements of the solution that are necessary to implement the functional elements. Cover user interface, documentation, installation, packaging, training, maintenance, and associated acceptance criteria.
5.0 Solution Performance	Describe the parameters for performance, include, timing, reliability, ease of use, etc., include max and limitations, maintainability and associated acceptance criteria.
Draft Product or Solution Description	Product / Solution Name, Description, Minimum and Optional Hardware Required, Minimum and Optional Software Required, training, support, update, ordering, additional services.

Further information concerning the functional specification can be found in the template,

SDLC_TPL002 Functional Specification.