Toronto's Works Best Practices Program Adoption of a System Development Life Cycle Methodology Yields Significant Benefits

The City of Toronto Works and Emergency Services Department has undertaken the Works Best Practices Program (WBPP) with a vision of becoming the most efficient utility in North America. WBPP employs an integrated approach to improve work practices, organization, and the use of technology.As the implementation of technology systems progresses, it is evident that a synchronized implementation approach is necessary. To respond to this need, WBPP Integrated Technology adopted a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) approach. This approach breaks down work into a succession of clearly defined, manageable, cyclical development steps. A service model has been adopted where external contractors are solicited to provide clearly defined services and solutions for the development and implementation of the work contained within these steps.The main objectives of the system development life cycle include:Implementing all applications without compromising the technology architectureProviding a formal mechanism for users to have input into future enhancements and upgradesProviding a manageable software development processDeveloping a training program that closely corresponds to the system functionality defined by usersSince the implementation of the SDLC model, the WBPP has yielded significant benefits. These benefits range from increased user buy-in to a streamlined technology implementation schedule.