Our experience has shown that asking the right questions then letting the client tell us what they want is by far the best way.

From our initial conversation we create a Statement Of Work (SOW) that details what we understood the client's needs to be. This document may go back and forth a few times before it is finally agreed. At that point in time a contract is drawn up that includes the SOW and a list of deliverables with timeframes and costs.

With a signed contract in hand and any initial payment that has been agreed the real work starts.

Planning is crucial without it the project may appear to be going well until it becomes obvious that the final product does not meet the client's needs.

With good needs analysis and an implementation plan the project has the best chance of being delivered on time and maybe early.