Planning and System Instalation
Planning a System
- Begin with defining the problem. Understand your users' needs and the business's requirements.
- Create a detailed problem statement. This should unequivocally outline what the new software system is expected to achieve.
- Generate a requirements specification that provides a clear, comprehensive summary of what the system should do.
- Create process-modeling diagrams, flowcharts, or wireframes to visually illustrate the proposed system.
- Plan the system architecture, selecting the appropriate hardware, software, and network infrastructure.
- Evaluate and acknowledge the legal, ethical, and professional issues related to the new system.
- Consider risk assessment and disaster recovery planning. This ensures the system preparedness for unexpected crises.
- Plan for system testing. Testing confirms that the system works as intended and meets all outlined requirements. Include unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing stages.
System Installation
- Sequencing the installation process ensures a smooth transition from the old system to the new one.
- Implement the system either through direct changeover (the big bang approach), parallel running, phased implementation, or pilot running.
- Prepare a data migration plan if there's a need to move information from the old system to the new.
- Provide user training and support, making sure system users comprehend the functionalities of the new system.
- Schedule regular system maintenance to keep the system in good working condition. Include preventive, perfective, adaptive, and corrective maintenance.
- Utilize change control procedures when introducing alterations to the system after installation. This ensures any changes are appropriately managed and documented.
- Finally, understand the importance of the system retirement process. This is vital when the system becomes obsolete or if it no longer meets the organisation' needs. Plan for data archiving and disposal of hardware components.