Topic 1.1.5
Evaluate alternative installation processes
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Changing? 4 alternatives
When implementing/installing a new system or piece of
software, there are 4 alternatives of doing it:
• Direct changeover • Parallel running
• Pilot running
• Phased conversion
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Direct changeover
Old system is stopped and new system is started.
Advantages: minimal time and effort, new system is available immediately
Disadvantage: if the new system fails, there is no fall back
Old System
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Parallel running
The new system is started, but the old system is kept running alongside it. Data has to entered into both systems.
Advantages: if the new system fails, the old systems runs a backup (no loss of productivity); outputs from the two systems can be compared to see if new one is running correctly
Disadvantage: running two systems is costly in terms of time and money Old System
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Pilot running
The new system is piloted (tested) with a small subset of the organisation. Once it is running correctly and all bugs have been ironed out, it is implemented across the whole organisation.
Advantages: all features are fully trialled; if the new system fails, only a small part of the organisation suffers; staff who were part of the pilot can train other staff Disadvantage: for the subset of users in the pilot group, there is no backup if the new system fails
Old System Pilot Group
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Phased conversion
The new system is introduced in phases as parts of the old system are gradually replaced with the new system
Advantages: allows people to get used to the new system; training of staff can be done in stages
Disadvantage: if the new system fails, there is no fall back for that part of the system
Old System
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Topic 1.1.6
Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration
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Data migration = moving data
• Data migration can be as simple as putting a file on a USB flash drive and opening it on another computer.
• It is can also be very complex involving big databases exchanging information across countries into different time zones.
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Possible problems that may arise
• Incompatible file formats
• Data structure differences
• Validation rules
• Incomplete data transfers
• International conventions on dates, currencies & character sets
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Topic 1.1.7
Suggest various types of testing
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Testing is important!
• Testing is very important in developing a computerized system as it tries to ensure that the system works as expected.
• A system that does not work as expected (i.e. it has bugs) greatly reduces productivity and end user satisfaction.
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Alpha vs Beta testing
Alpha Testing
Beta Testing
Alpha testing performed by testers who are usually internal employees of the organization
Beta testing is performed by clients or end users who are not employees of the organization
Alpha testing performed at
developer’s site
Beta testing is performed at client location or end user of the product
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User acceptance testing
• Testing any new/updated system with its ultimate end users to see if it meets their expectation is very important.
• Happy users = more productive users = good for developers
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Topic 1.1.8
Describe the importance of user documentation
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User documentation is important
• Whether you read user manuals or not, in general, having a
reference guide on how to use a system is critical to users.
• Without detailed, simple, clear instructions, users might be unaware of particular features or unable to use features that are not immediately obvious.
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Topic 1.1.9
Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation
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Types of User Documentation
• Help files
• Online support • Printed manuals
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Help files
Files supplied together with the system. They can usually be called up with a button in the system.
• Advantages:
– Accessible at any time when using the program
– Give general instructions on how to use the system
– Give general instructions on how to solve some major errors
• Disadvantages:
– They can only be used after system has been installed.
– They don’t give any help when installing the solution
– They often only deal with very general errors
– They often lack a search capability, you have to look to find help for your problem
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Help file examples
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Online Support
• Special web service hosted by the system’s developer to provide user documentation.
• Advantages:
– They are often extensive compared to help files
– They get continuously revised by the systems developer to deal with the problems occurring most often (FAQs)
– They often provide an option for live support, talking to a real human operator if a problem arises which the user documentation has no answer to
– They often have search capabilities built-in so that users can easily search through them
• Disadvantages:
– They are useless if users have no internet connection
– Live support does not work quite well with users unfamiliar with computers when they have to explain their problem (“I clicked ‘that’ button and then something happened!”)
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Online support examples
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Printed manuals
• Manuals printed on paper and supplied together with the system.
• Advantages:
– They can be read through by users before starting to work with the
new system
– Always available
– Give help installing the system
• Disadvantages:
– Can be lost / misplaced / limited in number
– Often limited to a little booklet supplying little information apart from how to install the system
– Not be updated every time the system is updated
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Printed manuals examples
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