Introduction to system development life cycle
A multi step process is involved in the development of an information system. These steps of information system development are called System Development Life Cycle or Information System Development Cycle (SDLC). System development cycle consists of the following steps
1. System Study
2. Analysis
3. Design
4. Implementation
5. Maintenance and Review
SDLC-SYSTEM IMPLIMENTATION
Introduction
Once the information system has been designed, it must be implemented. The system implementation stage involves.
1. Hardware and software acquisition
2. Software development
3. Testing of programs and procedure
4. Development of documentation and installation activities.
It is also necessary to train the end users and specialists who will operate a new system. 'Implementation of an information system is a difficult task but it is absolutely necessary for the development of the system'. Even well designed systems will fail unless it is properly implemented.
Implementation involves a verity of activates such as ;
1. Acquisition of hardware
2. Acquisition or development of software
3. Training of personnel
4. Testing
5. Documentation
6. Installation and conversion
These activities are explained below:
1. Acquisition of hardware -
An important activity connected with the system implementation is the acquisition of information system resources such as hardware, software and personnel .
2. Acquisition or development of software -
Necessary software required for implementing an information system can be either developed with in the organization or can be acquired externally.
3. Training of personnel -
Implementation of management information system provides the company an opportunity to upgrade and promote their personnel.
4. System Testing -
Testing is a critical stage of the system development cycle. Before implementing the new system it should be tested.
5. System Documentation -
The result of each stage of a system analysis and design should be properly documented.
6. Installation and conversion -
The introduction of computers biased information system in an organization is not an easy task. The organization has to undergo through a process known as conversion. It involves the conversion of personnel, procedure, input, output, forms and data base of the present system to the new computerized information system. There are four types of conversion methods.
a) Parallel conversion
b) Phased conversion
c) Pilot conversion
d) Plunge or direct cutover
These are explained below,
a) Parallel conversion -
Conversion can be done on parallel basis. Under this method both the old and new system will operate in the organization until the end users agree to switch over to the new system. During this period the operational efficiency to the system will be compared and evaluated. Then all the defects and errors of the new system are eliminated. The old system will be discarded only when it feels to the management that new system is fully operational.
b) Phased conversion -
In the case of Phased conversion, conversion is done on phased basis. Initially only a few departments or branches or locations are converted. As a result a gradual system implementation process takes place in the organization
c) Pilot conversion -
Conversion can also be done on a pilot basis where one department or work site is used to test the new system. A new system is implemented in the site and if it becomes successful, it will be implemented through out the organization.
d) Direct conversion -
Under this method the old information system is directly converted into a new system. The old system will be discarded and a new system comes up in its place.
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