OUR PROCESS · 6 STEPS · PROJECT-DEPENDENT
From the first conversation to a running system.
Six clear steps. Fixed milestones. No surprises on time, budget or quality. This is how we work at THE BARK — since day one.
Our Process – Transparent and Structured
From the first analysis to launch: this is how we work at THE BARK – clear, reliable and results-driven.
Our Philosophy
Why we work the way we work.
We have seen too many IT projects fail at a single pattern: big promises at the start, diffuse results at the end. Our process is the answer to that. Every step has a clear goal, a defined effort, and a measurable result. You always know where your project stands — and what comes next.
No black box. No fixed price for a black box.
The 6 Steps
Six steps. One result.
Scroll through the details — or click on a step.
01
Needs Analysis
project-dependent
02
Process Mapping
project-dependent
03
System Planning
project-dependent
04
Development
project-dependent
05
Test & Optimisation
project-dependent
06
Launch & Support
project-dependent
The Details — Step by Step
Unser Prozess
01
Needs Analysis
Schritt 1 / 6
Needs Analysis
Before we build, we listen.
Schritt 2 / 6
Process Mapping
Your business is not a template. We don't treat it like one.
Schritt 3 / 6
System Planning
The foundation decides how far you can build.
Schritt 4 / 6
Development
Agile, transparent, visible progress every week.
Schritt 5 / 6
Test & Optimisation
Before your users see it, it has passed a thousand checks.
Schritt 6 / 6
Launch & Support
Launch is not an end. It is the beginning of your digital system.
Step 01 · Needs Analysis
Before we build, we listen.
Every project begins with a structured conversation — 60 to 90 minutes, online or on-site. Not a sales call, but a genuine stocktaking.
What we do
- Kick-off meeting with key stakeholders
- Document business goals and pain points
- Identify stakeholders and decision-makers
- Initial budget and time framework
What you contribute
- 60–90 minutes from the managing director
- 1–2 operational leads
- Overview of your current system landscape
What you receive
- Needs analysis document (PDF, 3–5 pages)
- Goal matrix, stakeholder map, risk overview
- First time and budget estimate
Step 02 · Process Mapping
Your business is not a template. We don't treat it like one.
We spend time in the engine room of your company — we listen to your staff, observe real workflows and document what actually happens.
What we do
- Workshops and interviews with process owners
- Document and visualise the current state
- Identify inefficiencies and automation potential
- Design the target state together
What you contribute
- Access to 1–2 operational process experts
- Existing documentation (if available)
- 2–3 workshop sessions of 60–90 min.
What you receive
- Process map (visual, printable)
- Prioritised list of improvement opportunities
- Recommendation: automate / digitalise / leave
Step 03 · System Planning
The foundation decides how far you can build.
This is where the decisions that will guide you for five years are made: architecture, technologies, interfaces — chosen for long-term maintainability, GDPR compliance and scalability.
What we do
- Define system architecture and technology stack
- Data model, interfaces, security concept
- GDPR and compliance requirements
- Calculate a binding fixed-price proposal
What you contribute
- Access to IT responsible parties
- Information about existing systems
- Compliance requirements from your organisation
What you receive
- Technical concept document (10–20 pages)
- Architecture diagram, tool stack, sprint roadmap
- Binding proposal with fixed milestones
Step 04 · Development
Agile, transparent, visible progress every week.
We develop in two-week sprints. Every sprint ends with a working intermediate result you can touch and test.
What we do
- Agile sprints (2 weeks), defined deliverables
- Automated tests, code reviews, CI/CD pipeline
- Weekly status report (written)
- Sprint demos with you at the end of each sprint
What you contribute
- Participation in sprint reviews (60 min., every 2 weeks)
- Decisions within 48 hours
- Domain feedback on intermediate results
What you receive
- Every 2 weeks a working intermediate product
- Weekly status report
- Live access to progress and code
Step 05 · Test & Optimisation
Before your users see it, it has passed a thousand checks.
Three levels: automated tests (since sprint 1), end-to-end tests and User Acceptance Testing with real people from your team.
What we do
- End-to-end integration tests
- Performance and load tests
- Security audit (GDPR check, basic penetration test)
- UAT support with your power users
What you contribute
- 2–3 power users for UAT
- Realistic test scenarios from everyday use
- Feedback rounds
What you receive
- Test report (coverage, performance benchmarks)
- Security audit summary
- Go-live authorisation document
Step 06 · Launch & Support
Launch is not an end. It is the beginning of your digital system.
On launch day we monitor the system in real time, resolving issues within minutes. The first 30 days: hypercare support with priority access.
What we do
- Production deployment with rollback plan
- Set up monitoring and alerting
- Create user and technical documentation
- Training your team (online or on-site)
- 30 days hypercare support
What you contribute
- Launch communication to team and clients
- Training participation (key users)
What you receive
- Live system in production
- Complete documentation (user + technical)
- 30 days hypercare with direct access
- Freedom of choice: retainer, on-demand or self-service
Billing
We share the risk with you.
At THE BARK, you don't pay for promises. You pay for results.
Vertrauen First — 5% down payment
You pay the main amount only after successful completion — when the system is live and you've accepted it. We only charge a symbolic 5% deposit at the start.
Fixed price after Step 03
After Systemplanung you receive a binding fixed-price offer. No hidden costs. No change requests without your approval.
Changes transparent
If your requirements change? We document every change, calculate the additional effort, get your approval. Always.
We discuss contract details in the initial meeting — without pressure, without obligation.
After Launch
What happens after go-live — three paths.
You decide how deep our collaboration remains after launch. Three models, no obligation.
Retainer (recommended)
RecommendedMonthly contingent of development and support hours. For companies that want to continuously develop.
- Priority support
- Monthly development
- Dedicated contact person
- Transparent time reports
On-Demand
FlexiblePay per use when you need us. For stable systems with occasional needs.
- Day rate, no base fee
- Response time: 2 business days
- Perfect after the hypercare phase
Self-Service
IndependentYou take over operations yourself — with complete documentation and knowledge transfer.
- Complete handover
- Technical documentation
- 1-day training included
- No ongoing costs
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Sounds right? Let's talk.
Step 01 is free and non-binding. No sales pitch, no pressure tactics. Just 60 minutes to see if we're a good fit.