Find the user’s core task
A feature list is no substitute for understanding users. Observe a real task from its starting point through the information, approvals and output. Different roles may need different views of the same underlying data.
Review data and integration early
The existence of a file or API does not mean integration is ready. Identify data owners, identifiers, access, freshness and error handling. A small integration prototype can expose architectural risk before extensive development.
Define a deliverable first release
A small complete journey is more useful than several unfinished features. Define the first release through critical scenarios and reviewable outputs. Later development can follow feedback from that release and the organisation’s actual priorities.
Handover is more than starting a server
Plan acceptance testing, training, documentation, backups and responsibility for failures. Acceptance criteria should be understandable to users and technical teams, rather than simply listing the technologies used.