CERTIFICATION OF QUALITY & INNOVATION 

The XPAGILE is a project started by Xpand IT in July 2009 with the QREN Incentive for Research and Technological Development (RTD). The project goal is changing Xpand IT in various areas, such as: i) Definition and implementation of a development methodology which is based on agile principles and at same time directly mapped with CMMI; ii) Selection and tailoring of tools to manage the development processes as well as operational management. These are required to be aligned with agile methodologies in order to ensure the quality of the organization activity; iii) Creating a Software Development Centre in the north of Portugal with the objective of developing high quality software on a near-shore and off-shore models; iv) Define and implement processes to support investigation management and innovation. Allowing Xpand IT certification on NP 4457:2007.

BENEFITS

• Increased efficiency on project development;
• Reduce project development risks even when working on a near-shore or off-shore model;
• Continuous communication with the customer to ensure the necessary feedback and goal alignment;
• Use of certified methodologies that ensure the quality of the production activities of the organization;
• Existence of processes for continuous monitoring to ensure the quality of implementations;
• Increased innovation in projects developed by Software Development Center.

The XPAGILE methodology consists on a selection of the best practices from agile methodologies. It is based on iterations, continuous inspection and adjustment through collaboration. Based on methodologies such as SCRUM and Extreme Programming, this methodology was built to ensure that we deliver the best software at a competitive price while keeping tight deadlines.
The XPAGILE methodology was designed to be aligned with the practices and the objectives of the CMMI-DEV level 2. CMMI is a reference model that contains practices (generic or specific) required to achieve the desired maturity on specific disciplines, among which is the CMMI-DEV-oriented for development process of products and services.

The Xpand IT Development Center started working on 1 July 2010. This center is located in Viana do Castelo, standing at a distance of 35 minutes of the principal cities of Oporto and Braga. It features technology and tools that allow the development of quality software at a distance, ensuring a continuous monitoring and communication with the customer. The production process implemented in the center meets the processes and methodologies defined within the XPAGILE project. The Development Center currently has resources that allow working on all areas of Xpand IT, including: i) Business Intelligence; ii) ERP, CRM and Enterprise Applications; iii) Mobility and RFID Solutions.

The XPAGILE project enabled the Xpand IT to implement a systematic process to support investigation management and innovation. This process was developed by taking into account the main vectors: Conditions, Resources, Processes and Outcomes. Among other activities, the definition of this process resulted in the creation of an Investigation & Development Department, whose aim is to design innovative technological solutions.