Software Development Scope Of Work [Template, Tips & Tools]

Software development, SOW is typically created by an outsourcing vendor. What makes this method conventional in the industry is the fact that software devs can write SOW with detailed project information and as a part of the documentation package. It’s difficult to find a writer qualified enough to understand the specificities of your contract.

Software development scope

Statement of work vs project charter

Both documents are conducted prior to software development and share the same goal, that is, to describe what needs to be done. Nevertheless, there is a very thin line between them.

Project background

To help a vendor understand your needs, define what you already have. State all the parties already involved in a project. This may be an excellent starting point for an optimistic statement of work software implementation.

Purpose

This is something your vendor should understand in the first place. Take some time to answer the question of why you actually need the help of a vendor. This will help anyone involved in the project focus on key objectives right from the start.

Scope of technical tasks

The further we move during writing SoW contract, the more details we should outline. Here, it is critical not only to describe the scope of the work, but also to break down each of the tasks into smaller steps. The point is to highlight what technical amount of work you expect to be performed by a vendor.

Resources

What may be used during the performance? All the necessary resources for the project including facilities, equipment, hardware, and software.

Acceptance criteria

Define the performance requirements and quality standards. The more accurately you conduct the goals and objectives, the greater the chance of successful software development.

Payments

Don’t overlook the importance of such details like how pay will be delivered and on what schedule. State the pricing structure and payment schedule. For both sides, such details will provide security and make your collaboration clear.

Any other information

Keep in mind that the software development statement of work should outline the project in all its dimensions. This means you shouldn’t limit yourself to the list mentioned above. You can additionally include some other items you want.

Make it simple

Be specific with terms, so everyone has a clear understanding Be specific with defining who does what and when. To avoid any confusion and miscommunication, avoid unnecessary complications.

Include valuables

One picture is worth a thousand words. Just like any other document, the software development statement of work includes a sufficient amount of text. Diagrams, flowcharts, or simple schemes have all chances not only to make it visually appealing but help your vendor to understand your project faster.

Create in early

The project’s opening date and time-frame must be specified in each SOW. To speed up, the development process, both parties must have a precise series of activities and milestones, as well as delivery dates. Furthermore, the paperwork should include a schedule for regular progress assessments.

Execution

Execution is a quality feature that describes the framework’s response to various client collaborations. A bad performance leads to a bad client experience. It also jeopardizes the health of the structure when it is overburdened.

Conclusion

Writing a good SoW isn’t magic or something you can achieve after countless hours of research. Focus on key components that should definitely be explored. Most importantly, take into account all dimensions of your project, which will increase the effectiveness of a document.