System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Six Phases of the System Development Life Cycle
Preliminary Investigation Assesses feasibility and practicality of system System Analysis Study old system and identify new requirements Defines system from user's view System Design Design new/alternative system Defines system from technical view
Six Phases of the System Development Life Cycle
System Development
New hardware and software is acquired, developed, and tested System installation and training Daily operation Periodic evaluation and updating
System Implementation
System Operation & Maintenance
SDLC Phases
Preliminary Investigation
System Operation & Maintenance
System Analysis
System Implementation n
System Design
System Development
Phase 1: Preliminary Investigation
Determine if a new system is needed Three primary tasks:
Define the problem
By observation and interview, determine what information is needed by whom, when, where and why
Suggest alternative solutions Prepare a short report
Phase 2: System Analysis
In depth study of the existing system to determine what the new system should do.
Expand on data gathered in Phase 1
In addition to observation and interviews, examine:
Formal lines of authority (org chart) Standard operating procedures How information flows Reasons for any inefficiencies
Phase 2: System Analysis Tools Used
Checklists - list of questions Top-down analysis - start with top level components, break down into smaller parts through each successive level Grid charts - to show relationship between inputs and outputs System flowcharts - charts flow of input data, processing, and output which show system elements and interactions
Phase 2: System Analysis Documentation Produced
Complete description of current system and its problems Requirements for for new system including:
Subject Scope Objectives Benefits
Possible development schedule
Phase 3: System Design
Uses specifications from the systems analysis to design alternative systems
Evaluate alternatives based upon:
Economic feasibility - Do benefits justify costs? Technical feasibility - Is reliable technology and training available? Operational feasibility - Will the managers and users support it?
Phase 3: System Design Tools Used
Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools are software-based products designed to help automate the production of information systems. Examples:
Diagramming Tools Data Repositories Prototyping Tools Test Data Generators Documentation Tools Project Management Tools
Phase 3: System Design Documentation Produced
System Design Report Describe Alternatives including:
Inputs/Outputs Processing Storage and Backup
Recommend Top Alternative based upon:
System Fit into the Organization Flexibility for the future Costs vs. benefits
Phase 4: System Development
Build the system to the design specifications Develop the software
Purchase off-the-shelf software OR Write custom software
Acquire the hardware Test the new system
Module (unit) test - tests each part of system Integration testing - tests system as one unit
Create manuals for users and operators
Phase 5: System Implementation
Convert from old system to new system Train users
Compile final documentation
Evaluate the new system
Phase 5: System Implementation Types of Conversion
Direct/plunge/crash approach entire new system completely replaces entire old system, in one step
Parallel approach - both systems are operated side by side until the new system proves itself Pilot approach - launched new system for only one group within the business -- once new system is operating smoothly, implementation goes companywide Phased/incremental approach - individual parts of new system are gradually phased-in over time, using either crash or parallel for each piece.
Phase 5: System Implementation
User Training
Ease into system, make them comfortable, and gain their support Most commonly overlooked Can be commenced before equipment delivery Outside trainers sometimes used
Phase 6: Operations & Maintenance
Types of changes: Physical repair of the system Correction of new bugs found (corrective) System adjustments to environmental changes Adjustments for users changing needs (adaptive) Changes to user better techniques when they become available (perfective)
Phase 6: Operations & Maintenance
Evaluation Methods
Systems audit - performance compared to original specifications Periodic evaluation - checkups from time to time, modifications if necessary
Deliverables of the SDLC
Preliminary Investigation
System Analysis System Design Approved Feasibility Study Problem Specifications Abort Project Goto next phase Goto Previous phase
Design Specifications
System Development Coded and Tested System System converted Users trained
Begin building new system
System Implementation System Maintenance
Operational System Documentation completed
