Company8 min read

Behind the Scenes: How We Build and Deliver Custom Software Projects

Transparency builds trust. Here is a detailed look at how OBI Systems takes a project from initial idea through discovery, development, testing, and delivery.

OBI

OBI Systems Team

obisystems.ro

Clients frequently tell us that the development process feels like a black box — they hand over requirements and money, and weeks or months later they receive software. We believe this opacity is one of the biggest problems in the industry. At OBI Systems, we have built our entire delivery methodology around transparency, client involvement, and predictability. Here is how it works.

Phase 1: Discovery and Scoping (1 to 2 Weeks)

Every project begins with a structured discovery phase. This is not a casual conversation — it is a focused engagement where we map your business processes, define user journeys, identify integrations, and establish the project scope. The output is a detailed project specification document that both parties agree on before development begins.

  • Stakeholder interviews to understand business objectives and success criteria
  • User journey mapping for each user type in the system
  • Technical architecture proposal covering stack, infrastructure, and integrations
  • Feature prioritisation using the MoSCoW framework (Must, Should, Could, Won't)
  • Fixed-price quote based on the agreed specification

We charge for the discovery phase separately (typically 1,000 to 3,000 euros depending on project complexity). This ensures we invest proper time in understanding your needs — and gives you a specification document you can take to any vendor if you choose not to proceed with us.

Phase 2: Design (1 to 3 Weeks)

Before writing any code, we design the user interface and user experience. Depending on the project, this includes wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs. Clients review and approve designs at each stage. This catches misunderstandings early — when changing a design costs hours, not days of rework.

  • Low-fidelity wireframes for layout and flow validation
  • Interactive prototypes in Figma for user testing
  • Final UI designs with component libraries for consistent implementation
  • Design system documentation for future development consistency

Phase 3: Development (4 to 16 Weeks)

Development follows an agile methodology with two-week sprints. Each sprint has a defined scope, and at the end of each sprint the client receives a working demo of the features completed. This means you see real, working software every two weeks — not just status reports.

  • Two-week sprint cycles with defined deliverables
  • Bi-weekly demo sessions where the client tests working features
  • Continuous integration and deployment — code is tested automatically with every commit
  • Code reviews by senior developers on every pull request
  • Shared project board (Jira, Linear, or similar) with real-time progress visibility

Phase 4: Quality Assurance (Continuous + Final)

Quality assurance is not a phase that happens after development — it runs continuously. Automated tests are written alongside the code. Manual testing covers user journeys, edge cases, and cross-browser or cross-device compatibility. Before delivery, we conduct a comprehensive final QA pass covering:

  • Functional testing — every feature works as specified
  • Performance testing — load times, server response, stress testing
  • Security testing — vulnerability scanning, penetration testing for web applications
  • Compatibility testing — browsers, devices, screen sizes
  • Accessibility testing — WCAG compliance checks
  • User acceptance testing (UAT) — client's team validates the system against requirements

Phase 5: Deployment and Launch

Deployment follows a structured checklist covering infrastructure provisioning, data migration, DNS configuration, SSL certificates, monitoring setup, and backup procedures. We deploy to a staging environment first for final client approval, then to production during a planned launch window. Post-launch, we monitor the system closely for 48 to 72 hours to catch any issues that only appear under real traffic.

Phase 6: Handover and Ongoing Support

Every project includes a handover package: technical documentation, user guides, access credentials, and a recorded training session. We provide a warranty period (typically 60 to 90 days) where we fix any bugs at no additional cost. After the warranty, clients can choose from our maintenance retainer packages for ongoing support, updates, and incremental improvements.

The Team Behind Your Project

A typical project team at OBI Systems includes a project manager (your single point of contact), one or more frontend developers, one or more backend developers, a UX/UI designer, and a QA engineer. For larger projects, we add a technical architect and a DevOps engineer. Every team member is an OBI Systems employee — we do not subcontract to freelancers.

Our ISO 9001 certified processes ensure that the quality of delivery does not depend on any single individual. If a team member is unavailable, the documented processes, code standards, and project knowledge base allow another team member to step in seamlessly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical software project take?

Including discovery, design, development, and testing, a typical SME project takes 8 to 20 weeks. Simple web applications can be delivered in 6 to 10 weeks. Complex enterprise systems with multiple integrations can take 4 to 9 months. We provide a detailed timeline during the discovery phase.

Do you use fixed-price or time-and-materials pricing?

We primarily use fixed-price contracts based on an agreed specification from the discovery phase. This gives clients budget certainty. For projects with evolving requirements, we offer time-and-materials engagements with monthly budget caps and regular scope reviews.

How involved do I need to be during development?

We ask clients to attend bi-weekly sprint demo sessions (30 to 60 minutes each) and to be available for questions as they arise. The project manager handles day-to-day coordination. More involvement is welcome but not required — our process is designed to minimise the demand on your time while keeping you fully informed.

What happens if the project scope changes during development?

Scope changes are handled through a formal change request process. We assess the impact on timeline and cost, provide a written estimate, and proceed only after client approval. Our discovery phase minimises the likelihood of major scope changes, but we recognise that business needs evolve and we handle changes transparently.

Do you provide source code at the end of the project?

Yes. The client owns 100 percent of the source code and all intellectual property upon full payment. We provide access to the code repository throughout development for full transparency, and we hand over all code, documentation, and assets at project completion.

Ready to talk about your project?

OBI Systems builds custom web applications, mobile apps, and IT systems for SMEs across Romania and Europe.