Implementation

Systems Implementation

 

The implementation of the new system occurs when the old system is replaced by the new one.

There are Four ways of implementing a new system:

 

Direct Changeover

The old system is stopped completely, and the new system is started. All of the data that used to be input into the old system, now goes into the new one.

This is has its advantages...

• Takes the minimal time and effort
• The new system is up and running immediately

But there are also disadvantages...

• If the new system fails, there is no back-up system, so data can be lost

Parallel Running

The new system is started, but the old system is kept running in parallel (side-by-side) for a while. All of the data that is input into the old system, is also input into the new one.

Eventually, the old system will be stopped, but only when the new system has been proven to work.

This is has its advantages...

• If anything goes wrong with the new system, the old system will act as a back-up.
• The outputs from the old and new systems can be compared to check that the new system is running correctly

But there are also disadvantages...

• Entering data into two systems, and running two systems together, takes a lot of extra time and effort.

Phased Implementation

The new system is introduced in phases (stages, or steps), gradually replacing parts of the old system until eventually, the new system has taken over.

This is has its advantages...

• Allows users to gradually get used to the new system
• Staff training can be done in stages

But there are also disadvantages...

• If a part of the new system fails, there is no back-up system, so data can be lost.

Pilot Running

The new system is first of all piloted (trialed) in one part of the business / organization (e.g. in just one office, or in just one department).

Once the pilot system is running successfully, the new system is introduced to the all of the business / organization.

This is has its advantages...

• All features of the new system can be fully trialed
• If something goes wrong with the new system, only a small part of the organization is affected
• The staff who were part of the pilot scheme can help train other staff.

But there are also disadvantages...

• For the office / department doing the pilot, there is no back-up system if things go wrong.

Activity:Implementing a new computer system