Software Engineering

A software product is judged by how easily it can be used by the end-user and the features it offers the user. At Step Forward, we build robust software to your specifications.

Our experts combine software engineering excellence with in-depth knowledge of capital markets, wealth management and banking. The software can be deployed as containerised packages on a public or private cloud, or targeted at your specific ‘on premises’ hardware if necessary.

All our software developments go through a rigorous process ensuring product integrity and security. Irrespective of whether this is a large or small piece of development, we apply the following principles to all our developments 

The 8 Stages of software development 

Requirements Gathering – what is it you need and what outcome are you looking to address with this development, how will you use it, what will it interface to
Feasibility Study – an assessment of the practicality and cost of your requirement
System Analysis –  3 major areas of focus at this stage are optimisation, robustness and correctness. All 3 are key to a well-developed software
Software Design –  transforming your requirements into code-able form. This is done in 3 stages 1) Interface design 2) Architectural Design and 3) Detailed design
Coding – based on the software design your requirements are transformed into a product using state of the art development protocols and languages
Testing – we put all our development work through thorough testing cycles. Internally and over your test environment followed by a clean SIT prior to releasing it to you for your internal testing.
Integration – We have a rigorous 6 step integration process that we apply to all our development work – see here for more details
Deploy and maintain – We stay with you all of the way ensuring the development is well embedded in your environment. 

We offer 2 types of custom developments.  

1. Proprietary custom work where you own the IP or

2. Shared custom work where we own the IP and source code.

 Ask us for a list of custom work we have available that is ready to deploy.

System Integration

The process of bringing together component sub-systems into one system and ensuring that the subsystems function together as a system.

At Step Forward, we understand the complexities of integrating treasury software into your environments. We provide solutions for your integration needs, that scale fast and complement your existing systems and business processes. We deliver reliable and a cost-effective end to end integration between your online marketplaces, trading, middle office, back office and risk systems using our connector based on our Digital Robot ™ platform.

Our 6 steps to successful system integration

 1.REQUIREMENTS GATHERING

Key to succeeding begins with engaged listening. Shockingly, more than 70 per cent of failed projects miss the mark due to a lack of requirements gathering. The quality of requirements gathering directly correlates with the ability to manage and reduce uncertainties for project success. Tell us about your needs, wants and business goals, and we'll provide the best solution.

2.BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Business analysis helps banks do business better. The more thorough the business analysis, the more problems the solution solves.  The value of business analysis is in the realisation of benefits, avoidance of cost, identification of new opportunities, and understanding of required capabilities. Our analysts will explore your needs, listen to end-users and study the technology implications for the best result.

3.ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

IT architecture design provides the fundamental structure of a software system and defines what can and cannot be done from an IT standpoint. Maintaining a system that is both well-designed and affordable means striking a balance between innovation, risks and costs. Our experts will work with you to thoroughly plan and document how the different systems should work together most efficiently.

4.INTEGRATION DESIGN

We make sure your systems can still work independently while connecting perfectly.  We implement the integration unit by unit to make sure the data flows seamlessly, without any duplication.

5.SYSTEM INTEGRATION TESTING (SIT)

SIT testing is performed to verify that each system happily coexists with the others and to test the interface between modules of the application. We repeatedly test the solution throughout the build and then again on completion to ensure it is bug-free, giving you complete confidence that everything is under control.

6.MAINTENANCE

As your business grows and technology advances, even the best software solutions need to keep up with market requirements. We can provide ongoing advice, support and maintenance, ensuring all your systems keep delivering at maximum value.

Contact us