Since I became an independent consultant in 1998, I have primarily worked with clients on an intervention basis. I provide training, coaching, or assistance with particular problems a client is experiencing. I often do not get to see how the project turns out as a result of my involvement. That was true with the CTS project—at first.

Following our successful requirements development effort, I moved on to other activities and shortly thereafter moved to an entirely separate division within Contoso Pharmaceuticals. Two years later, I left Contoso and started my own software training and consulting company. I use several examples from the Chemical Tracking System in my training courses to illustrate techniques and insights for requirements development.

In 1999, I was presenting a requirements course at a client site. When I shared some of our experiences on CTS, one student in the class said, "Hey, I recognize that project!" This student happened to work in marketing. His previous employer was the company that Contoso approached for outsourcing the implementation of part of the CTS. Intrigued by this coincidence, I asked him how the implementation went and what the developers at his former company thought of the CTS requirements. I was relieved when he said that the project went well and that the requirements were a major factor in that success.

Despite its rocky beginning, the Chemical Tracking System turned out to be an illuminating case study. We learned how to selectively and thoughtfully apply several new requirements development methods. We found ways to effectively engage diverse customer representatives in the process. We enjoyed some cultural benefits through our collaborative approach, as Paul and the other lead customers realized that it was indeed possible—nay, essential—to work closely with IT representatives to make sure that the right product comes out the other end of the process. Best of all, this application is still in use at Contoso Pharmaceuticals, 13 years after the requirements development experience described here.