Software development follows a structured approach, moving through distinct phases to ensure that the final product is reliable, scalable, and adaptable.
This applies whether you’re building a new CRM, an internal business tool, or an automation platform.
For example, if a company is migrating from Salesforce to HubSpot, the process isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Instead, it follows a phased approach: creating a sandbox environment to validate the migration, ensuring data is properly mapped, and then deploying a fully functional production system.
There are always nuances, and no single rule applies to every project.
However, understanding the three primary phases of development helps set realistic expectations and ensures a well-structured approach to software implementation.
Phase 1: Building the Model Home (MVP Development)
What is an MVP?
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of an application that meets core requirements. It serves as a starting point, allowing teams to test the concept, gather feedback, and iterate before full-scale development.
A useful analogy is the model home in real estate. Before construction begins on a custom home, builders first create a template home—a structure that showcases the layout, design, and core elements of what the final house will look like.
Similarly, in software development, the MVP:
- Outlines key features but does not include full data integration
- Provides a basic working prototype that stakeholders can interact with
- Helps validate assumptions before further investment
For instance, when migrating from Salesforce to HubSpot, an MVP might involve setting up a sandbox version of HubSpot with a small set of data, ensuring that records are mapped correctly before committing to a full migration.
Phase 2: Constructing the Fully Built Home (Production Readiness)
From Prototype to a Fully Functional System
Once the MVP is validated, the next step is building a fully functional system that meets real-world requirements.
Continuing with the model home analogy, this is when:
- A specific plot of land is selected for construction
- Foundations, wiring, and plumbing are installed
- The house is customized for the owner’s needs
In software development, this means:
- Integrating real data into the application
- Optimizing the system architecture to handle real-world use cases
- Testing performance under load to prevent system failures
For example, in a CRM migration, this is when all customer records, deal pipelines, and historical data are transferred, ensuring that everything functions correctly before making the system live.
At this stage, software development focuses on:
- Ensuring the system is stable and secure
- Building scalability into the infrastructure
- Preventing bottlenecks that could slow down performance
Just like a home must have proper electrical wiring to handle power needs, an application must be designed to support large volumes of data and transactions without performance degradation.
Phase 3: Adding Features and Continuous Maintenance
Why Software Development is Never “Finished”
Even after a system is live, development does not stop. Businesses evolve, requirements change, and new functionalities become necessary.
In the home-building analogy, after moving in, a homeowner might decide to:
- Add new cabinets or an island to the kitchen
- Convert a garage into a workspace
- Upgrade to smart home features
For software, this translates to:
- Feature enhancements, such as AI-based analytics or automation tools
- Integrations with third-party platforms, such as accounting software or marketing automation
- Security updates and bug fixes to maintain performance
For instance, a company using a CRM might later decide to:
- Implement advanced filtering options for reporting
- Integrate AI-driven recommendations for sales outreach
- Automate data syncing with financial systems
These enhancements require re-evaluating the software architecture to ensure compatibility.
Adding a new feature is not always a quick update—it often requires adjustments to the original system design to prevent conflicts.
Additionally, like a home requiring maintenance (roof repairs, plumbing fixes, repainting), software needs:
- Ongoing security updates to address vulnerabilities
- Performance tuning to ensure smooth operation
- User feedback-driven improvements
This phase is continuous. As long as the software is in use, there will always be new improvements, refinements, and maintenance required.
How to Communicate These Phases to Stakeholders
Stakeholders often ask why certain features were not available immediately or why additional time is needed for development. Breaking the process down into phases makes it easier to set expectations.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:
- MVP Development: A foundational prototype is built for testing. This version may not include full data integration but serves as a proof of concept.
- Production Readiness: The system is developed with real data, optimized for performance, and stress-tested before being deployed.
- Ongoing Development: New features, integrations, and optimizations are continuously added as business needs evolve.
Not every project follows the exact same process. Some projects, like a simple automation tool, might move from MVP to production quickly, while a full-scale CRM migration may require additional sandbox testing and phased rollouts.
However, understanding these structured phases ensures a smooth transition from idea to a fully functional system.
Final Thoughts
Software development always follows a structured and iterative approach.
Whether launching a new application, improving an existing system, or migrating between platforms, moving through clear development phases ensures:
- A stable foundation before scaling
- Minimized risk of failure due to unforeseen challenges
- Continuous improvements and adaptability
By understanding and communicating these phases effectively, teams and stakeholders can align expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
