Identifing Software and Hardware Requirm

Start at the beginning!

What do they want their computer system to do / accomplish?

As you identify what they would like to do, you can begin to refine the requirements, and start to estimate what is required.

From there, I would double, oreven tripple the estimated server requirements. Especially storage capacity.

For any site / field supervisors who will be getting laptops, I recommend specifying sealed and ruggedized machines.

I realize that this is a simple answer, but in a situation like this, you need to first access what the user wants to do with the system.

Chas

Hi,

I absolutely agree with TheChas on this and dont they already have existing systems? I find it hard to believe that a construction company got large without some form of computerisation!

So in addition to TheChas' suggestions, you also need to look at what is computerised right now, and how that process can be improved. Any new software you suggest may have requirements on the older software they're still running.

For example, you may decide to do away with the current payroll system and move to MYOB (for a mid sized company) or PeopleSoft if its a really big construction company or is expanding fast.

This may mean a particular version of Windows is required.... and will almost certainly mean upgrades to the hardware...

So, yes, Go back to them and find out what they want to achive but be pre-armed with knowledge of packages and existing solutions that can help them.

Dont necessarily suggest it straight away unless they push you for suggestions, but have in your own mind which packages or suit of packages will fit. It'll help with defining their requirements...

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Tim.

Do they have "in house" architects? Designers?
That will add a lot to the requirements, beyond the payroll and other administrative loads mentioned above.
The question is too general, the first answer is correct.
A listing of the loads (requirements), on the IT system, is first and foremost.
Regards, Chris