Please enable JavaScript.

Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.

COMPUTERS - Coggle Diagram

- - - - SYSTEM DESIGN & PROGRAMMING STANDARDS:
        
        Ensure system interacts properly with existing systems & system software.
        
        Ensure that appropriate control-related programmed procedures are built in.
        
        Ensure supervision over system design.
        
        Ensure the system complies with predetermined standards.
        
        Should always be done on program library & not live data.
      - TESTING OF THE NEW SYSTEM:
        
        Carried out in 3 stages:
        1. Program testing:
        
        Checking the logic of the program to their specs.
        2. System testing:
        
        Ensure the logic of various programs links together to form a system in-line with detailed system description.
        3. Live testing:
        
        Parallel running:
        - New system in parallel with old system. - Problem = cost of double processing, difficult to compare.
        
        Pilot running:
        - Introduce only small portion of system.
      - SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS & USER NEEDS:
        
        Define the way the system must work to ensure it will meet specifications of the users and the comp.
        
        2 Methods of specifying systems:
        
        Traditional method:
        
        Written systems specification by means of discussions btw the data processing depart. & users.
        
        Prototype systems:
        
        Design a prototype,
        
        Allow user depart. to try it out,
        
        Refine the design through a series of prototypes.
      - CONVERSION TO NEW SYSTEM:
        
        Planning & Prep:
        
        Prepare timetables for conversion,
        
        Define method used (Parallel/Pilot),
        
        Determine cut-off dates,
        
        Prepare data files for conversion (Standard data),
        
        Training of staff,
        
        Balance files on old system,
        
        Prepare premises (constant power/air-con).
        
        Control over conversion of data:
        
        Supervision,
        
        Auditor involvement.
        
        Update system documentation
        
        System flowcharts,
        
        System description,
        
        Operating manuals.
        
        Testing:
        
        Balancing old files with new files,
        
        3rd party confirmation,
        
        Follow up on exception reports,
        
        Parallel running,
        
        Manual comparison of data,
        
        Approval by users.
        
        Backup of new system
        
        Post-implementation review.
      - PROJECT AUTHORISATION & MANAGEMENT:
        
        Properly.
        
        Development plan that is fully authorised.
        
        Should consist of an IT steering committee that consists of senior management from the user & computer depart.> Should authorise the project.
        
        The steering committee ensures that:
        
        Project is authorised,
        
        Timetables are adhered to,
        
        Budgets are achieved,
        
        Quality requirements are met.
        
        Involvement from the following departments:
        
        User depart:
        - Ensure departmental requirements are incorp. into new system, - Internal/External auditors must be involved in the process to ensure proper controls are implemented.
        
        Data processing depart:
        - Assist/Ensures technical soundness, - Ensure the system is compatible with other systems, - To test all operational aspects.
        
        Quality control depart:
        - Ensures the correct standard of design is used, - Ensures proper testing is done, - Ensures that the programme is documented.
        
        A feasibility study should be performed to determine if comp. should self-develop/Buy a programme. A cost vs Benefit analysis should be done.
        
        Project should be authorised only after a feasibility study is conducted.
        
        Project team will do the following:
        - Day to day management of the project, - Ensure the project is developed in stages, - Prepare timetable for each stage of the development.
    - - GENERAL IMPORTANT NB INFORMATION:
        
        Must meet user requir.
        
        Prepare statement of requir.
        
        Measure available packages against requir.
        
        Keep in mind:
        
        Minimum changes should be made to packages,
        
        Modifications = normal system development RULES. (Request forms, authorisations, testing, Supervision & Review).
        
        Possibility of future amendments w.r.t tax updates.
        
        Quality of maintenance from supplier.
      - ADVANTAGES
        
        Immediate implementation,
        
        :arrow_down: Cost, cost is predetermined,
        
        Tested thoroughly, = Very reliable.
      - IMPLEMENTATION & TESTING OF PACKAGES
        
        Testing:
        
        Independent testing,
        
        Review of experience of others.
        
        Implementation:
        
        Involvement of:
        
        User depart.
        
        Data processing depart.
        
        Management
        
        Quality assurance/control depart
      - DISADVANTAGES
        
        Dependent on vendors for maintenance,
        
        Too general/inflexible to cater for specific user needs,
        
        Change maintenance difficult/impossible,
        
        Written overseas, = VAT/TAX differ, currencies.
      - SPECIFICATION & SELECTION OF PACKAGES
        
        Discussions with others,
        
        Observing operation of packages,
        
        Questioning other users of packages,
        
        Facilities offered by program (support),
        
        Freedom from program errors,
        
        Speed & Efficiency,
        
        Ease of use (user friendly),
        
        Quality of support (help).