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Writer's pictureGabriel Mikael

How Long to Develop the System?

The development timeline for an online construction permit system depends on several factors, including the complexity of the system, the features you want to include, and the approach you take (custom-built vs. pre-built). Here's an approximate timeline for different stages of development:

1. Initial Planning and Requirements Gathering

Duration: 1-2 monthsThis phase includes defining the project scope, gathering user requirements, identifying stakeholders, and determining the key functionalities. The timeline may vary based on how quickly the stakeholders can collaborate and decide on the core features of the system.

Key tasks:

  • Stakeholder meetings and workshops

  • Mapping the current permit process

  • Defining system goals and user requirements

  • Budgeting and timeline planning

2. System Design and Prototyping

Duration: 1-2 months In this phase, the development team will create a blueprint for the system, including the user interface (UI) and the technical architecture. A prototype or mock-up is developed to provide a visual understanding of how the system will function.

Key tasks:

  • Designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)

  • Creating wireframes and prototypes

  • Finalizing the technical architecture (cloud-based or on-premise infrastructure)

  • Feedback from stakeholders and refinement

3. Development (Coding)

Duration: 4-8 monthsThe core system will be built during this phase, which includes developing the back-end (databases, workflow automation, security features) and the front-end (user interface). The timeline will depend on the complexity of the system and the size of the development team.

Key tasks:

  • Coding core features (application submission, tracking, payments, etc.)

  • Building the document management system

  • Implementing workflows for application review and approvals

  • Integration with other systems (e.g., GIS, tax, zoning)

  • Developing security and authentication features

For a basic system (document submission, tracking, payments, and basic workflow automation), this phase could take 4-6 months. For a complex system with multiple integrations, advanced features, and automation, it may take up to 8 months or more.

4. Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

Duration: 1-2 months After the system is developed, it must be rigorously tested to identify bugs and ensure it functions as expected. Testing should include both internal testing by the development team and user acceptance testing (UAT) by government staff and developers who will use the system.

Key tasks:

  • Functional testing (does each feature work as intended?)

  • Usability testing (is the system easy to use for both staff and applicants?)

  • Security testing (is the system secure against data breaches and unauthorized access?)

  • Load testing (can the system handle multiple users and large volumes of data?)

5. Pilot Program and Training

Duration: 1-2 monthsBefore rolling out the system citywide, it’s a good idea to launch a pilot program to test the system with a small group of users. This allows for the identification of any issues and further refinement of the system.

Key tasks:

  • Selecting a district or project type for the pilot program

  • Training staff and users involved in the pilot

  • Collecting feedback and making adjustments

  • Providing support and addressing user concerns

6. Full Launch and Rollout

Duration: 1-2 months Once the system has been refined and tested during the pilot phase, the full rollout can begin. This includes citywide implementation, onboarding government staff, and educating the public on how to use the system.

Key tasks:

  • Full-scale system launch

  • Training programs for all government staff involved in processing permits

  • Public awareness campaigns (videos, guides, etc.) to help users navigate the system

  • Establishing a helpdesk for ongoing support

7. Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Duration: ContinuousAfter launch, the system will require ongoing maintenance, including fixing bugs, making updates, and improving features based on user feedback. This is an ongoing process that ensures the system remains functional and up-to-date.

Total Estimated Time for Development

  • Basic System: 6-10 months

    • A basic system includes essential features like online application submission, payment processing, document management, and tracking.

  • Mid-Range System: 10-12 months

    • A mid-range system adds more workflow automation, multiple integrations (e.g., GIS, zoning), and enhanced user interfaces.

  • Complex System: 12-18 months

    • A more complex system includes advanced features such as integration with multiple government databases, real-time data analysis, multi-level user access, and more complex workflows with advanced automation.

Factors That Affect Development Time

  • Scope of Features: More complex features (automated workflows, integration with multiple systems, advanced security) will require additional development time.

  • Size of Development Team: Larger development teams can work on multiple parts of the system simultaneously, reducing the timeline. Smaller teams may need more time to complete all phases.

  • Stakeholder Coordination: Delays in decision-making or feedback from government offices or other stakeholders can extend the timeline.

  • Testing and Bug Fixes: Identifying and fixing bugs during the QA and pilot phases can take longer if there are unexpected issues or if the system needs significant revisions.


The total time to develop an online construction permit system for Cagayan de Oro could range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the system, the resources available, and how efficiently the development process is managed.


How Long to Develop the System?
How Long to Develop the System?

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