Off the Shelf
An off the shelf project typically represents a common product or service that we have previously completed, and are generally very familiar with the project parameters and specifications, including working with a wide array of third party vendors to deliver a similar level of desired functionality to other clients. In many cases we provide standardized pricing for many of these projects in our annual pricing guides. Some examples of these types of projects include a currently supported EFT vendor, credit card, check processing or electronic document imaging vendor.
Custom Programming
The Custom Programming can be defined as a more customized and personalized project development strategy in which a client is often the architect for designing the project blueprint and helping build and manage the desired solution. As an assist, The Developer’s Help Desk is fully available to collaborate in helping make your project vision become reality. For example, in considering your project, many clients prefer to contract with CU*Answers to engage its expert resources in a variety of ways. In essence, the Custom Programming represents an array of services, spirit and vision for helping you drive the initiative forward and on your terms. Some examples of these types of projects include new third party vendor integrations, Singe Sign On projects, custom fee programs (not already included within CU*BASE), custom data file exchanges, and much more. As compared to standardized pricing, a Custom Programming project will normally incorporate an initial Research and Design bid for performing all required research for reviewing your project specifications and a second bid as based upon the level of work you wish to contract with CU*Answers.
What’s Your Project Classified As?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if a project may fall into an Off-the-Shelf or Design Studio category, so here are some questions to help you better determine the type of project you may have.
Does your project idea represent something CU*Answers has previously done?
One fast way to help determine is to visit the DHD Online Store to shop for a similar product/ service that you have interest in. You are quickly able to see many of the services and or third party vendor relationships CU*Answers offers on the Developer’s Help Desk Store. Then click on any of interest to review the services offered, existing vendor relationships, and more. If you aren’t sure of a project category or type, not a problem. While in the online store, simply navigate to the DHD Project Consultation tile, and Initial Project Discussion to submit your order.
What if I see a similar product or service I have interest in, but don’t see the vendor I am considering?
While in a selected product category, if you are not seeing a potential vendor or service for which you have interest, we have included a bright green tile in most categories to submit an online order for an alternative solution. The Developer’s Help Desk will then contact you to discuss your project idea in greater detail. In many cases, a new vendor relationship or variance to a product or service currently offered may lead to a Custom Programming project request for which the Developer’s Help Desk will lead you through.
What if I am unsure as to whether my project idea qualifies as an Online Store order or is potentially a Design Studio (custom) request?
Not a problem, the simplest way is often to contact the Developer’s Help Desk to review your project idea, so we may talk it through together what you may be thinking. There are many links included on the DHD site to simply ask us to contact you, or, while in the Online Store, navigate to the DHD Project Consultation, and Initial Project Discussion to submit your order… the Developer’s Help Desk will be in contact!
How can I determine if my project is a CU*BASE enhancement, or a Design Studio project type?
Sometimes, this can be a bit confusing. Here are some tips to assist you:
- First, if you have an actual issue with how CU*BASE is working, and a fix is potentially required, please immediately report these situations to a CSR to be addressed.
- If your strategy represents an idea for improving upon certain existing CU*BASE functionality with no anticipated customization, and for which you are hoping other clients will share a similar interest (a DIT strategy), an Idea Form is normally an excellent first place to begin. Like a suggestion box, the Idea Form is designed to start a dialogue with CU*Answers to begin exploring your idea further. See our main site to submit an Idea Form.
- Sometimes your idea represents more than a suggestion. For example, it may represent a custom project request strategy, such as a desired new third party vendor integration, SSO linkage or data file transmissions to a potential new partner. In essence, your CU knows who/what it wants, and is potentially willing to pay for its development. In most cases, these represent more DIY thinking, and a Custom Programming project type – for which you are often encouraged to be control of various processes! The Developer’s Help Desk will work closely with you for helping qualify your request, and getting a Special Project Request/Authorization form started. Please see these links for considerably more details in helping get a Custom Programming process started.