Software Implementation

SOFTWARE Implementation

Implementation is the stage of the project where the theoretical design is turned into a working system. At this stage the main work load, the greatest upheaval and the major impact on the existing system shifts to the user department. If implementation is not planned carefully it can cause chaos and confusion.

Implementation includes all those activities that take place to convert from the old system to the new one. The new system may be totally new, replacing an existing manual or automated system or it may be a major modification to an existing system. Proper implementation is essential to provide a reliable system to meet the organization requirements. Successful implementation may not guarantee improvement in the organization using the new system, but improper installation will prevent it.

The process of putting the developed system in actual use is called system implementation. This includes all those activities that take place to convert from the old system to the new system. The system can be implemented only after thorough testing is done and if it is found to be working according to the specifications. The system personnel check the feasibility of the system.

The most crucial stage is achieving a new successful system and giving confidence on the new system for the user that it will work efficiently and effectively. It involves careful planning, investigation of the current system and its constraints on implementation, design of methods to achieve the changeover. The more complex the system being implemented, the more involved will be the system analysis and the design effort required just for implementation. The system implementation has three main aspects. They are education and training, system testing and changeover. The implementation stage involves following tasks:

§ Careful planning

§ Investigation of system and constraints

§ Design of methods to achieve the changeover

§ Training of the staff in the changeover phase

§ Evaluation of the changeover method

The method of implementation and the time scale to be adopted are found out initially. Next the system is tested properly and the same time users are trained in the new procedures.

Implementation Procedures

Implementation of software refers to the final installation of the package in its real environment, to the satisfaction of the intended users and the operation of the system. In many organizations some one who will not be operating it, will commission the software development project. The people who are not sure that the software is meant to make their job easier, in the initial stage, will doubt about the software. But we have to ensure that the resistance does not build up as one has to make sure that:

§ The active user must be aware of the benefits of using the system

§ Their confidence in the software is built up

§ Proper guidance is imparted to the user so that he is comfortable in using the application.

Before going ahead and viewing the system, the user must know that for viewing the result, the server program should be running in the server. If the server object is not up running on the server, the actual processes won’t take place.

User Training

To achieve the objectives and benefits expected from computer based system, it is essential for the people who will be involved to be confident of their role in the new system. As systems become more complex, the need for education and training is more and more important.

Education is complementary to training. It brings life to formal training by explaining the background to the resources for them. Education involves creating the right atmosphere and motivating user staff. Education sections should encourage participation from all staff with protection for individuals for group criticism. Education should start well before any development work to enable users to maintain or to regain the ability to participate in the development of their system.

Education information can make training more interesting and more understandable. The aim should always be to make individual feel that they can still make all important contributions, to explain how they participate in making system changes, and to show that the computer and computer staff do not operate in isolation, but are of the same organization.

Operational Documentation

Once the implementation plan is decided, it is essential that the user of the system is made familiar and comfortable with the environment. Education involves right atmosphere & motivating the user. A documentation providing the whole operations of the system is being developed. The system is developed in such a way that the user can work with it in a well consistent way. The system is developed user friendly so that the user can work with the system from the tips given in the application itself. Useful tips and guidance is given inside the application itself to help the user. Users have to be made aware that what can be achieved with the new system and how it increases the performance of the system. The user of the system should be given a general idea of the system before he uses the system.