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System implementation and conversion

Short answer

System implementation is the phase where the designed system is built, tested, and put into operation. Steps include planning, acquisition, coding, testing, data conversion, training, and conversion. Conversion approaches: direct cutover, parallel, pilot, and phased.

What do you understand by system implementation? Discuss steps in system implementation along with different approaches in system conversion.

System implementation

System implementation is the phase of the system development life cycle in which the designed system is built or installed, tested, and put into operation so that the users start using it in place of the old system. It turns the design into a working system.

Steps in system implementation

  1. Planning the implementation: schedule, resources, responsibilities.
  2. Acquiring and installing hardware, software and network.
  3. Coding / customising and integrating the software.
  4. Testing: unit, integration, system and user acceptance testing.
  5. Data conversion and file preparation: old data are cleaned and loaded into the new system.
  6. Training of users and operators, and preparing documentation.
  7. Conversion / changeover to the new system.
  8. Post-implementation review and support.

Approaches to system conversion

ApproachDescriptionPros / cons
Direct (cold turkey)The old system is stopped and the new one starts at onceCheap and fast, but risky
ParallelBoth systems run together for a period and outputs are comparedSafe, but costly and double work
PilotThe new system is tried in one branch/department firstLimits risk; takes longer
Phased (staged)Modules or locations are converted step by stepEasier control; needs interfaces between old and new
 Direct:   Old ------| New ------>
 Parallel: Old ----------|
                 New ---------->

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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