Lessons Learned

Working with the web for the past 6 years I have gained many top tips and thought I should list a few (before I forget them) :

Often the best solution is the simplest (keep it simple, stupid).

If for some reason some lines of code are no longer needed and you decide to rem / comment them rather than delete them - ensure you initial who, when and why the code was determined as not needed

Breaking a large task into small tasks is a good idea but ensure where possible that you assign the best person to complete each task.

Always tackle the hardest tasks first as if you are going to overrun in terms of time in delivering the hardest tasks then you will know sooner that you are going to overrun than if tiy leave the hardest tasks till last.

Dont put a new site live on a Friday or less you want calls at the weekend.

Real time integration is great but batch integration will normally suffice. Just dont forget to secure the transmission (and possibly encrypt the data being transmitted), ensure the files are delivered (ensure valid xml file or tab file with a footer) and processed in the correct order.

Normally a short cut turns out to not be a short cut.

Dont guess, establish the facts.

Where possible communicate directly with the intended recipient rather than via an intermediary.

Avoiding meetings to save time and instead communicating via telephone / email will take longer.

If anyone has any other great tips please email me.

James