A professional specification sheet provides clarity, prevents misunderstandings, and forms the basis for the success of any software project.
Here’s what you need to know:
But what should be included in a specification sheet? How should it be structured? And what content is essential? Includes template.
To ensure the success of a software project, we as IT partners need to understand exactly what you need. Often, customers themselves do not have a clear idea of what they want. The clearer your goals are defined, the better we can realise your wishes.
The key to success with customised software is clear objectives and a good specification. Precise details in the specifications are crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure successful project management. If you do not yet know exactly what you want, we will help you to formulate your goals and turn them into a solution that exactly meets your expectations – and perhaps even goes beyond them.
The form and structure of a requirements specification are crucial to ensure clear and comprehensible requirements. This is the only way to get your project on the road to success. A professionally prepared specification lays the foundation for targeted implementation.
soxes offers you a tried-and-tested requirements specification template to download, which helps you to record your requirements in a clear and structured manner. With this template, you minimize misunderstandings, integrate all important information and ensure smooth collaboration with your development team.
How detailed should a requirements specification be?
It should be specific enough that there is no room for interpretation, but not unnecessarily bloated. Each function should be described in a comprehensible manner so that developers, testers, and clients have the same expectations.
What is the difference between a requirements specification and a functional specification?
The requirements specification describes what is to be achieved (the client's wishes and goals), while the functional specification defines how these requirements are to be implemented technically.
Why are functional specifications important?
Without functional specifications, the risk of delays, additional costs, or incorrect developments increases significantly.
Who is responsible for the functional specifications?
In most cases, the contractor creates the functional specifications based on the client's specifications. However, they should always be jointly agreed upon and approved.
What does an example of a requirements specification look like?
An example typically contains a table of contents with a project description, objectives, functions, interfaces, non-functional requirements (e.g., security, performance), and acceptance criteria.
The requirements specification and the functional specification are often confused, but fulfil different roles in the project. While the requirements specification describes the requirements from the client’s point of view, the functional specification defines how these requirements are to be technically implemented. The requirements specification defines the “what”, i.e. the customer’s wishes and objectives, while the functional specification defines the “how”, i.e. the specific technical implementation by the IT partner. Both documents are essential for a successful project, as they create a clear basis for collaboration and avoid misunderstandings.
A functional specification is an important document in project management that describes the requirements and specifications for a project or service in detail. It serves as the basis for the realisation of the project and ensures that everyone involved has the same expectations and goals. The creation of a functional specification includes the collection of information about the project, the definition of requirements and specifications and the creation of a detailed plan for implementation.
Sofia Steninger
Solution Sales Manager
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