Four steps to a smooth start to your Pega project

The Pega platform is popular for a reason, but then you have to give it the attention it deserves. A first project can present some challenges. There are seven key activities needed to ensure a good start to your Pega project. In our previous blog, we discussed the first steps: from defining your business goals and project deliverables to defining your customer journey. In this blog, we take a closer look at the next four steps: from identifying process optimization opportunities to setting up a governance structure.

Step 4: Identify process optimization opportunities

Again, business goals should be the starting point. Determine if the process needs to be ported from another system or if there is still room for design and optimization. Involving a large part of the team is important, including subject matter experts and process specialists within the organization. Pega uses the term Direct Capture of Objective (DCO) sessions for this type of session, where business and IT work together on the customer journey and capture the raw specifications. A design thinking approach can be useful for complex issues.

Step 5: Determine the scope

Defining the scope for a Pega project is no easy task. It is important to think from the business value when defining the product and realize the most important functionality first. From the elaborated customer journeys come high-level specifications that make up the backlog. Based on these, you put together the minimum viable product (MVP) or Minimal Lovable Product (MLP), the minimum required functionality for the first release. It is important to determine what lies within, but also precisely what lies outside the scope. During realization, this is an ongoing issue. A strong product owner with vision, mandate and decisiveness is therefore essential to prevent scope creep. Ensure that at least two sprints of work have been prepared before starting to actually build the functionality.

Step 6: Design for success

During software development, no matter what platform you use for it, it is essential to think carefully in advance about what you need to accomplish. This applies especially to the architecture of the total solution. The (solution) architect works out the overall solution and this forms the basis for the application design. Based on the functional and non-functional requirements, the solution design document contains the possible solutions from different ‘views’ and an advice or decision on the chosen solution and substantiation thereof. A good data model is also essential. Based on this solution design, a Pega application design is made, in which the Enterprise Class Structure plays an important role. The Pega LSA is responsible for this.

Step 7: Establish governance structure

This step is about setting up a management framework within which decisions are made for the Pega project. A good governance structure is important to meet the goals of the project. It is important to define clear roles and responsibilities because a Pega project usually involves multiple stakeholders and system chains. The most important body in the governance structure is the steering committee or governance board, in which key stakeholders participate and directly influence the success of the project. Another important aspect of governance is architecture governance, which focuses on technical quality assurance of Pega applications. Pega uses the term Design Authority for this purpose. In the first Pega project, make sure there is involvement of a Pega LSA from the Pega organization itself so that you make choices in line with Pega guidelines and best practices.

With these seven steps, you can be sure to start your Pega project off right!

Are you ready to get started with Pega?

Whether you’re at the beginning of your first Pega project or starting a new one, these seven steps will get you right on track, from defining your outcome, to applying a Design Authority in the governance structure. Dive deeper into these core activities with our white paper “The Seven Steps to Getting Your Pega Project Off to a Great Start“. It will help you take the right steps and avoid pitfalls to ensure a successful implementation. Don’t hesitate to contact our Pega experts if you have any further questions or need support with your Pega project.