web-based reporting on 401K retirement plans

The Challenge

A firm specializing in retirement plan consulting wanted to deploy a software application that could be used to help retirement plan sponsors meet their fiduciary responsibilities in a timely manner. Retirement plan providers would offer the application as a part of a suite of services to their plan sponsor partners.The PlanTools™ product vision had been developed over a period of years, and initial reports were first produced using Excel, then using an off-the-shelf reporting tool. Neither provided a user interface for the end-users, scalable report creation, or an infrastructure that could handle the predicted influx of new users.

The Solution

Simplexity evaluated multiple technologies and created a detailed functional specifications document in collaboration with the consulting firm. We implemented a web-based tool with a simple but powerful user interface that generates professional, usable PDF investment performance reports. Reports contain current performance snapshots, and a cumulative performance gauge over time. The solution is built on the Microsoft .Net platform and uses an XML-based XSL-FO reporting infrastructure.

The interaction design was carefully planned, tested, and simplified so that new and current users would find the application simple to use and powerful. The application uses data that is updated on a monthly basis from Standard & Poor's.

Lessons Learned

Software applications fail or succeed based on how prescient the written requirements and specifications are. Specifications provide a way to synchronize on vision, expectations, and cost.

Keep initial deliverable dates for application rollouts short. Get the application in front of the ultimate users as soon as you can. Design output reports early in the development cycle, especially if they are to be printed.

Use a bug and change tracking system that can be shared on-line with the client. Make sure it is easy to use.

For more information about how Simplexity can help you today, please email or call Eric Hughes at 510/763.4488.

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