Kudler Fine Foods Network Analysis

Kudler Fine Foods SR-kf-10 – Network Analysis
Analysis – The basis of service request SR-kf-10, submitted by Yvonne Reynolds, is a thorough analysis of current network infrastructure that should result in documentation outlining current network reliability and uptime, overall performance, topology, protocols, data integrity and security, and overall network security. The analysis effort will be directed toward determining if performance, specifically at checkout, can be improved and, if not, outlining and documenting the requirements and strategy necessary to improve performance, security, and stability. A critical component of the success of this effort is the structure and expertise of the project and analysis team, and the reporting relationship
that exists between the proposed team and Kudler Fine Foods management. Making concessions on the structure and expertise of the project team or not facilitating an effective relationship with stakeholders has proven debilitating to myriad projects, some of which many associated with the network analysis effort are doubtless aware. The roles and expertise necessary to successfully address the requirements of SR-kf-10 are outlined herein.
Project Manager - although many believe experienced and knowledgeable technical resources are key to most advance technology projects, an effective project manager is as often the unsung hero of many successful efforts.
In regard to network analysis, an effective project manager must possess a solid, but not necessarily expert, understanding of network infrastructure, topology, and security. More important than actual technical knowledge is the project manager’s ability to organize complex tasks, provide critical direction to technical resources, create, update, and manage the project plan, manage escalations, and facilitate effective relationships with management and stakeholders. The network analysis project manager should have several successful projects in their past to refer to, be able to iteratively adjust the project plan as required, work under pressure, and display proficiency with various project reporting and management tools such as Microsoft Project and the Microsoft Office Suite. Along with accurate and timely reporting and status updates tailored to specific audiences, the network analysis project manager will report directly to the Kudler Fine Foods sponsors and stakeholders and manage all technical resources associated with the
project.
Network Analyst/Engineer – While reporting directly to project manager, the network analyst will be responsible for all aspects of the initial network analysis consisting of, but not limited too, consulting with users and managers to determine requirements, analyze and document technical problems, recommend solutions, provide cost analysis, and, when required, plan, test and implement network hardware, software, and upgrades. The network analyst best suited to respond to the Kudler Fine Foods service request should have several years experience designing, implementing, upgrading, and supporting networks featuring a variety of operating systems, applications, hardware, and utilities. The network analyst associated with the Kudler Fine Foods service request should also possess detailed knowledge of successful network and data security options as well as upgrade and support strategies.
Network Designer – while the associated skills and experience overlap to some degree, the network designer associated with the Kudler Fine Foods network analysis effort will be asked to work closely with the Network Analyst to document current network structure, potential upgrades and performance improvements, and, if required, a detailed design, with associated cost breakdown, of the new network required to meet the Kudler Fine Foods business objectives.
Along with the skills and experience listed when describing Network Analyst, the Network Designer chosen to be a part of the network analysis team must also possess expert level knowledge and experience using network design and documentation tools in order to produce the documents and graphics necessary to satisfy the service request requirements. In the event upgrading and improving the existing network is not feasible, the Network Designer will be expected to document and provide a cost study of the network topology and infrastructure necessary for Kudler Fine Foods to address current, future, and even unanticipated technology and business requirements. The Network Designer will function as a peer of the technical resources associated with the analysis project and will report directly to the project
manager.
Technical Writer – although both the network analyst and designer will, more than likely, posses the skills and experience necessary to document the network analysis results and range of solutions, it is vital to gain acceptance of the plans by tailoring the response to specific audiences. The technical writer associated with the Kudler Fine Foods service request will be create not only high-level, graphically rich documentation that will satisfy and inform non-technical resources, end users, and decision makers, but will also possess the skills and experience necessary to produce highly technical documentation and manuals designed to both provide implementation instruction as well as support guidance. In the event Kudler Fine Foods decides to implement new network infrastructure, the technical writer associated with the project will also create the training and maintenance documentation necessary to support the network well into the future. The technical writer chosen to participate in the network analysis effort should possess 5-10 years of demonstrated proficiency using the most current documentation tools, such as expert level knowledge and experience using the full Microsoft Office Suite, be able to work under pressure and in a team environment, offer creative and easily digestible explanations to complex technical problems and scenarios, and work well in a team environment. The technical writer, as with the other resources identified to support the network analysis service request, will report directly to the project manager.