Waterfall model is an integral part of software development. It is a flexible methodology or approach in which progress flows downwards like a waterfall through various phases or stages. Such a model deals with the developmental activities that are planned out in a sequence. This is why this model is also referred to as a sequential model. Different stages are significant to be followed in this method of software development to achieve the desired result.

What are the different stages of a Waterfall Model?

Waterfall model contains distinct stages or phases in the process of software development. One needs to be careful about the completion of these steps to reach an accurate and desired outcome.

Some of these stages can be defined as:

1. Requirement Understanding and Gathering: This is the first and foremost step, understanding the requirements and performing analysis over them. This happens to be the basic step as it lays down the base of the model and professionals can plan out the next stages based on this data.

 

2. Design the System: The next would be to decide the system’s design. There needs to be planning of the overall design based on the requirements collected. 

 

3. Implement the Design: This is actually the technical part of software development. At this step, professionals write codes in implementing the design which was created in the previous step.

 

4. Testing: The next process is the testing or verification of the system to check whether it fits the requirement. In this step, professionals can rectify defects if any are present. The step of verification and testing needs to be performed with care in finding the defects and managing them for refining the working process of the system.

 

5. System Maintenance: The last but not least important phase is the proper maintenance of the system. This step should be effectively carried out by the professionals. They should address the customer feedback and make necessary changes, update, and repair issues and defects as they arrive. This step is very important because it lets the professionals know the response of the customer and hence mold the system in that way.

 

The steps mentioned above are some of the basic steps in building a Waterfall model. From the steps mentioned above, it is transparent that it is an entirely sequence-based model and that the next step in the process gets affected by the result of the previous one. These steps should be carefully followed by the professionals in order to ensure accuracy and efficiency of the system.

What is the Importance of a Sequential Model?

A sequential or Waterfall model is important for software development. It is indispensable that professionals must stick to steps involved in the process of building a system so that accuracy and efficiency can be rendered in work. There are many reasons which can define the importance of this model. 

Some of these reasons can be defined as:

1. Clarity: Sequential models are mainly famous for providing clarity and accuracy in the process of developing software or handling a project. It means that the professionals have to pursue the process in a step-by-step way. All steps of gathering of requirements, planning a design, implementing design, verifying system, and maintaining it have to be done with care to provide accuracy and efficiency.

 

2. Structured Process: This model provides a structured process broken down into clear steps. Professionals find it easy to use these models in project management and try to derive the results as per calculations accurately. It becomes necessary that one step be completely completed before moving into the next one; otherwise, the system may not work out properly.

 

3. Simplify the Process: As mentioned above, this model is a structured process. It lays down what to do and in which order. In other words, the process is simplified since this is a sequential model. Complexities involved in executing a process are reduced and efficiency is more.

 

4. Long-Term Planning: These models also do the task of long-term planning for the business. It gathers requirements at the first stage and then goes onto working out a system by planning the design and implementing the same. It is always better to plan out every essential thing in advance so that there are less defects in the system.

 

5. Forecasting: These models are of essence at every phase of the process in terms of forecasting or predicting an aspect. Such predictions help professionals to easily allocate resources and raise funds in regards to the requirements.

 

6. Record of Every Stage: The other integral part of this model is that the inferences to be drawn from each process stage should be documented. All these aspects should be noted down, not only to ensure clarity with the stakeholders but also for the next stages to be done without errors.

 

7. Maintain Discipline: The other reason a Waterfall model is considered significant is that it makes sure there is some sort of discipline, an ordering in the process. No step can be skipped or partially worked on; a phase has to be completely finished before moving to the next step. This ensures an order of completion of each stage and thus enforces a certain amount of discipline and accuracy in the process.

 

8. Less Chances of Risks: There are lesser chances of meeting with risks or defects as this model helps in long-term planning. With the help of this model, it becomes easier for professionals to identify the defects and risks and then generate effective strategies that could be taken for mitigating them. This would ensure the smooth functioning of the system, which should always be away from uncertainties and risks.

 

9. Easy to Maintain: Another reason that marks the importance of this model is that it is easy to maintain and look after. It is a structured process that promotes clarity, discipline, and order in the working of the project. This is the reason that this model is easy to maintain and professionals can easily identify defects and manage them. The professionals can update the changes as per customer response and enhance efficiency in the working of the system.

 

10. Regular Testing: A sequential model is necessary because it assures one of regular testing and monitoring. The professionals are responsible for testing the system regularly, and they would be in a position to identify the potential risks and the defects. They are able to make measurable changes and also enhance the efficiency of the working. The development stage will be done smartly, and there will be an assurance that the system is built according to the requirement and needs.

 

These are some of the reasons why a Waterfall model is important. Professionals have to take these reasons into consideration and carry out the process mindfully. This ensures that, in order to achieve great results, complete processes are done by ensuring accuracy at every stage. It ensures efficient systems for software development.

You may also like to read about:

• Financial Modeling and Analysis
• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Finance and Accounting Services
• Fractional CFO
• Finance and Accounting Outsourcing
• Budgeting
• Pitch Deck Services
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Scenario Planning
• Company Valuation
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Investment Banking
• Private Equity
• Wealth Management
• Financial Support Services
• Equity Research Firms
• Management Consulting
• Pitch-deck for start-ups
• Accounting Firms in the USA
• Wealth Management
• Marketing Budget
• Real Estate Consultant
• Joint Venture
• Private Equity
• Corporate Finance
• Trusted Analytics Platform
• Confidential Information Memorandum
• Ai Pitch Deck Generator
• ACS Valuation
• Transaction Advisory Services
• Xero
• Financial Services Company in India
• M&A Advisory Services
• Monte Carlo Model Finance
• Hedge Funds
• Outsourced Tax Preparation
• Crowdfunding Sites for Startups
• Outsourced Accounting Firms
• Goodwill Valuation
• Investment Banking in Financial Modeling 
• Goodwill Impairment
• Brand Valuation
• Types of Financial Models

 

What are the Challenges Faced by a Waterfall Model?

There are many advantages of this model but it does possess a set of challenges that professionals have to be mindful of. These challenges must be identified and measurable resolutions sought to nullify their impact on the system.

Some of the key challenges can be defined as:

1. Inflexible Nature: The nature of this model is not flexible. It consists of five major stages and these stages have to be followed by professionals. They cannot mold the process in their own way. It is necessary to follow each stage in sequence like gathering requirements, planning a design, implementing it, verifying the system, and taking steps to maintain it.

 

2. Complex Projects: Although, a sequential model is efficient in its working. They still would not be an ideal choice for handling a complex project. Sometimes, the sequence this model follows may not be fitting for certain projects, and professionals cannot relate to this model.

 

3. High costs: This process or method is connected with high costs. The professionals or companies incur large costs in terms of making changes, implementing updates, and developing the system according to the customer response and feedback. It is very time-consuming to take into consideration the customer’s response and mold the system as per them for enhancing their satisfaction.

 

4. Depending on Predictions: This model basically depends on the predictions and forecasts. Every step or stage needs a professional to make a prediction. Such predictions may not be accurate enough for consideration. That is how this becomes a disadvantage for the reason that the incorrect predictions might affect the smooth running of the system.

 

5. Time-consuming: The construction of such models takes time. It happens in the sense that every step or every stage of this approach must be completed before one goes to the next place. This makes the delivery time to be longer since professionals cannot move to the next stage before completing the previous one. It is this very fact that makes this process time-consuming and prolonged.

 

6. Less Customer Involvement: The comments of customers are sought mostly up to stage one, which is that of gathering requirements. The next stages do not consider their response or consultation. This being a challenge of these models, the final result might be a surprise to the users.

 

7. Limited Feedback: Another limitation along the same line is the lack of feedback from customers. To tune the proposed strategies of the developed system, it is important for professionals to take feedback and care about customer responses. It must take consideration of users’ response and feedback, and act upon it by changing and implementing updates.

 

8. Unskilled Employees: This other major challenge for the model is dealing with unskilled employees. While each bit of information and step has been mentioned clearly, still the unskilled staff can be a challenge for the model. They will not be able to meet the requirements of the industry and won’t provide accurate results as per the needs of the users.

 

9. Sensitive to Change: These models are sensitive to change. This is on the basis that in case professionals identify a defect and make some changes, then the previous steps have to be done again. This brings a disruption into the process and it takes a long time to complete the process.

 

10. Not Suitable for Innovative Projects: These models are simply not good for new projects because they are inflexible. An innovative project requires certain flexibility that these models do not provide.

 

These are some of the major challenges or problems that professionals face in building the sequential kind of model. They should be well aware of the same and have to take measurable steps to reduce their effects. They should identify these challenges like inflexibility, unsuitability for innovative projects, high costs, unskilled employees, limited user feedback, varying needs of customers, wrong assumptions, etc., and make informed strategies to achieve accurate results.

What is the Future of a Waterfall Model?

Many factors will impact the future of a Waterfall model. Professionals have to consider these factors that will help them stay efficient and accurately build these models. 

Below mentioned are some of the major key trends or changes that will impact the future of a sequential model:

1. Emphasis on Large Projects: In future, more emphasis will be given on large projects. These models deal with time-consuming projects as they complete each stage before the move to the next stage. Emphasis should be given on those projects that can easily be developed, and errors should be reduced as much as possible.

 

2. Better Documentation: The procedure these models require is documentation at all stages. The future is all about having better tools and software that will help a professional to document in a much better and effective manner. They would be able to record the stages accurately and enhance the efficiency of the next stage.

 

3. Effective Tools: There will be usage of effective and advanced tools in the future. They will assist professionals to correctly carry out the sequence of the process. These tools will help professionals to complete the process faster and efficiently.

 

4. Focus on Initial Stages: Another key trend or change in the future will be in initial stages. Professionals need to focus on the initial stages that mean requirement gathering and planning out of a design. More emphasis should be given on these stages so that there is smoothness in the next stages of the process.

 

5. Staff Training: The other key trend would be to train the staff and employees. The employees and staff must be well trained so that professionalism and efficiency come from their end. They should depict their expertise while gathering the requirements, planning a design, implementing it, verifying the system, and taking effective measures to maintain it. It is possible that the skilled employees and the staff enhance the efficiency of the system by building it with precision.

 

6. Follow Industry Trends: The next imperative trend is the one that must be followed in the times ahead—sticking to the standards of the industry. One needs to identify the upcoming trends in the industry and follow them in order to be able to stay afloat and conduct business in the highly competitive market environment.

 

These are some major trends that are most likely to affect the future of any Waterfall model. While building the model, it has to be kept in mind that changes like evolving industry trends, emphasis on the initial steps, using effective tools, training to employees, better documentation, etc. will help to contribute towards the growth of a sequential model and bringing efficiency within it. 

 

FAQs-

1. What are some of the fundamental advantages of a Waterfall model?

There are multiple advantages of this model. Professionals need to construct this model with the efficacy of performing every stage effectively.

Some of the benefit or advantages offered by these models can be:

• Clarity
• Structured process 
• Reduced risks
• Aid to long-term planning
• Documentation 
• Ease of process 
• Maintenance, regularly
• Verification and testing 

 

2. What are the major stages of building a sequential model?

There can be five main stages or phases into which the process of building these models can be broken down into. 

These stages can be named as:

• Collecting Requirements 
• Planning a Design
• Implementing the Design 
• Verification and Testing
• Maintenance

 

3. What are some of the limitations or disadvantages of these models?

There exist certain challenges or limitations possessed by these models. As professionals, it becomes important to identify the same and take necessary steps to reduce their impact. 

Some of these limitations or disadvantages can be stated as:

• Inflexibility  
• Not suitable for new projects
• Unskilled personnel
• Expensive
• Old softwares
• Depending on predictions  
• Less user involvement  
• Time-consuming

 

4. What is the significance of “waterfall” in the model’s name?

The name Waterfall model represents the process flow as downwards like a waterfall. Each step is to be finished before doing the following step in these outlines, the procedure progresses like a waterfall. The following stage or phase is dependent on the previous phase in these outlines.

Conclusion-

Thus, it can be said that a Waterfall model is necessary for breaking down the process of building a system for software development into five crucial stages. These could be defined as requirements, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance. The benefits these models provide, such as long-term planning, structured process, discipline, clarity, order, reduced risks, and regular maintenance, among others, must be realized by the professionals, and the process carefully followed. They should be aware of the challenges of these models, such as inflexibility, high cost, unskilled employees, unsuitability for innovative projects, and a rigid process, among others. It should identify the challenges and limitations, and significant steps to be taken are to improve the future of these models. Such future trends to be kept in mind by professionals are emphasis on the early stages, integration of software, emphasis on large projects, training of staff, following the set industry standards, and incorporating the use of effective tools for better documentation. All these steps and alterations have to be implemented for the purpose of effectiveness and correctness of the results obtained from these models.