The Tool Specialist is responsible for the supporting tools on the project. This includes selecting and acquiring tools. The Tool Specialist also configures and sets up the tools, and verifies that the tools work. 

Topics

Select and Acquire Tools Setup Tools Verify Tool Configuration and Installation Tools


Description To top of page

Related Information To top of page

This section provides links to additional information related to this role.

 

Staffing To top of page

Skills To top of page

An individual playing the role of a Tool Specialist needs to have a broad set of skills. This includes an understanding of the underlying processes used by the project, and for this training might be required prior to project startup. General systematic analysis skills are beneficial when comparing and selecting tools for the project. Knowledge of the development platform(s) is required, on networking issues in particular. A person acting as a Tool Specialist also needs good communication skills and a 'service-minded' attitude, since she or he is likely to be a support contact point for the project members, on installation and other tool troubleshooting issues.

Role assignment approaches To top of page

The Tool Specialist role can be assigned in the following ways:

  • Assign one or more staff members to perform both the Tool Specialist and Implementer roles. This is a commonly adopted approach, especially in small-to-mid-sized teams, and capitalizes on the common development skills that Implementer role shares with this role.
  • Assign one staff member to perform the Tool Specialist role only. This is a commonly adopted approach and is particularly suitable for large teams or smaller teams where effective tool support and process automation is a key aspect of the projects development plan.

Further Reading To top of page

See the references page for further information.



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