As we’ve covered in previous entries, the purpose of IV&V is to provide quality control. The intent is to identify risks, ensure compliance, and guide the development process toward intended goals.
Now, because IV&V efforts are so specific to the software or system being evaluated, the nuts and bolts of execution will look different for everyone. The goals (and benefits), however, will be largely the same.
IV&V professionals evaluate code, hardware costs, training difficulties, intended usage, timelines for completion, and on and on… Repeating these processes throughout development and as new information becomes available.
It’s plain to see the level of detail involved in IV&V, but what are the long-term benefits?
Early Risk Detection
If IV&V is implemented at the beginning of the development process, and continued throughout the lifecycle, problems can be identified long before they do significant damage. An oversight can mean security issues, vulnerable data, or even fatal errors that “break” an entire system. IV&V catches these problems early.
Identifying risks and problems well before a system of software is actually in use provides an opportunity to redesign and rebuild. Instead of wasting resources fixing problems retroactively , early risk detection allows developers to make important changes during the development process. This ultimately saves time, money, and stress (for the organization and clients).
Reduce Costs, Increase Revenue
While there are costs associated with IV&V, it should be seen as an investment. In the long run, IV&V reduces costs – and can even help generate revenue. As mentioned above, the quality control of IV&V catches problems early on. Even if takes time and manpower to solve problems as they arise, it is less costly than stopping production, doing a recall, or trying to make changes to live software.
The validation side of IV&V also serves to get a final product closer to the needs of the customer. Fine tuning software – or any other product – throughout its development results in the highest possible quality. A high quality product that aligns with company goals and customer expectations will be met with high demand.
Save Time
It’s important to look at IV&V on a long-term scale. It may take time to jump through the hoops of IV&V during development, but solving problems early can save a ton of backtracking in the future. To implement an IV&V program, communication is key. The third party performing the IV&V will require the attention of decision makers, department leaders, etc., getting everyone on the same page. Without such a process, departments can remain disconnected. They may delay projects or waste time on efforts that aren’t part of the larger picture. IV&V helps the whole organization stay on track.
If you would like to learn more about what IV&V can do for your project’s ROI, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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