The History Of System Implementation

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Service Request SR-RM-022, part 3

BSA 375

Karen Knox

System Implementation

The Riordan Manufacturing new system project implementation stage is very challenging; however the effort will be worth it all. A project of this magnitude cannot be done by one person expert teams in different fields will be needed to see it through completion. Each department in Riordan has to have advance priority to construct a new human resource management system. Because the Information Technology is the main platform for the system human resource management and Information Technology departments are considered first. The entire development process and system design whether parcel or part of the system professional teams in each department will be involved. Other fundamental part of decision making the operation management and finance departments will be considered.

Coding

It is very important to consider all the functions and essential features of the Riordan Manufacturing new human resource management system design for a flawless development module. The functions and features are connected with the computer programs for system administrators and end users both. During this implementation stage maintaining and keeping all the information of the system is a prime importance of the databases. With this in mind the system developers must keep in mind the system usability to ensure that the correct types of computer application software is created and installed within the system by the Information Technology professionals of the department.

Procedures and standards being developed in the system software of the new human resource management automated structure depends entirely on the keen instructions of the trusted group of experts in that field. There are several platforms that may guide the coding process of the new system. These platforms are all reliable in their effectiveness and may be used as advised. One such method is the Iterative method. This is whereby selected groups of experts are divided into distinct sets, each handling a separate aspect of the new system. Iteration, as applied during this method, guides the developers and designers through the entire process one part at a time. "The completion of one stage in the system development project using the Iterative method depends on the assured completion of the preceding stage (Marciniak, 2002)."

Testing

As the development and design process is completed a team of experts it is important to test the system before it is actually implemented within the organization. There several points to note while preparing for the testing phase. These points are usually geared towards the actual and expected output of the system. This means that the system developers and designers must at all times beware of the intended purpose of the system before undertaking to develop it (George, Valacich, & Hoffer, 2003). Since Riordan’s request is clear and concise, it would be simple for the team of professionals during the design and development phase.

As mentioned earlier, the sole purpose of the testing phase is to gauge whether the system as it stands is sound or needs some readjustments. This therefore includes creates unreal scenarios whereby test data is run through the system to establish whether the outcome is as desired or requires realignment. This is tantamount to having the system development team selecting a particular case scenario that would likely be found in reality if the system was already pre-existent. The system administrators are then required to analyze the results of the test and verify whether the team is on the right track or has missed a mark. In case of any deviation from the expected output, the team would then have to establish the right course of action to take so as to bring the system back to the desired track (Marciniak, 2002).

Installation

This stage is whereby the old system of human resource management system is replaced with the new within Riordan Manufacturing. The Phased Method of installation during this stage is very important. Phased installation would grant all of the organization’s stakeholders the time necessary to adapt to the new changes and thereby dispel the proverbial fear of abandoning status quo, which is usually prevalent among members of society. The other available alternatives to phased installation such as direct installation, or the big bang, can prove to be too much for the organization’s employees who may have got used to the old system.

The new system is to be installed one part at a time in the organization this is known as ‘Phased installation’ (George, Valacich, & Hoffer, 2003). Location method is also a kind of phased installation where certain area of the company gets to have the system installation at any particular time. This could be a designated branch, or say, the headquarters of Riordan Manufacturing. The down side to this method is it difficult to establish; if the new system integrates the distinct company departments even if a few get to be incorporated into it. A more holistic approach to the installation would be advisable such as phased installation.

Documentation

This stage involves developing guides and manuals for end-users as well as system administrators. For the end-users, who in this case are the organization’s non-technical staff and employees is to have a task-oriented method to documentation process. The documentation that solely focus on the individual commands are described within implication of system administrators and end users of the system (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2008). User documentation of instructions are included on how to get started with the system, as well as explaining the precise functionality of the new system. This would ensure that the transition from the old system to the new one would not be overly complicated for the employees. System documentation intended for the Information System personnel or system administrators would include technical details to guide them during maintenance and upgrades. This would incorporate such information as the system’s design specifications as well as its overall internal structure.

Training

Training is especially dedicated to the end-users of the new system, which may not be privy to the technicalities of software engineering. On top of providing the end-users with a detailed documentation of the system’s structure and functionality, it is also exigent that they are offered software use and application tutorials (Marciniak, 2002). These would go a long way in equipping them with the necessary knowledge for proper utilization of the new system as the shift is made from the old to the new. The most successful approach to training the end-users is the pragmatic instructor-led methodology whereby the end-users get to accustom themselves with the new system under the direction of a system administrator. The end-users get to actually train on the functionality of the new system while performing the individual tasks practically. An instructor should be present with the group of trainees so as to answer questions of technical queries or other areas of difficulties about the use of the system.

Support

A two-fold stage involves supporting the target users as well as instituting ways and means of keeping the entire system running across the framework of the organizational (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2008). Engaging the user support and technical teams services will guarantee a smooth operation of the new system. There should be a distinguishable information center that caters to the needs of end users regarding any queries they may have about the system. This help desk should operate at par with the technical support office as they both have overlapping goals and objectives. As far as system maintenance and servicing is concerned, there should put in place measures to guarantee the security of information that is stored within the system. This translates to establishing trenchant data recovery and back up techniques. In case of any accidents or fortuities, the data kept within the system should remain safe and therefore available for retrieval whenever needed.