SYSTEM ENVIRONMENTS
This environment is used by employees for actual day-to-day business operations.
What is the operational or production environment? This is the live environment where real users perform actual work using real data.
These employees need training on menus, system functions, help features, and daily tasks.
Who are users? Users need practical training because they will interact with the system during their regular work.
This is the process of transferring existing data into the new information system.
What is data conversion? It moves information from the old system into a form that can be used by the new system.
This changeover method immediately stops the old system and starts the new one.
What is direct cutover? The organization switches completely to the new system at once, making it fast but risky.
This process checks whether the completed system meets requirements and user objectives.
What is post-implementation evaluation? It determines whether the system is actually performing as expected after it has been implemented.
This environment is where programmers and analysts develop and test system changes.
What is the test environment? It is used to safely test new programs, updates, and changes before they are placed into the live system.
This group mainly needs to understand the system's purpose, benefits, reports, costs, and business goals.
Who are managers? Managers focus more on how the system supports the organization rather than detailed technical functions.
When possible, data conversion should use this approach instead of entering every record manually.
What is automated conversion? Automation saves time and reduces the chance of human error during data transfer.
In this method, the old and new systems operate at the same time.
What is parallel operation? Both systems run together temporarily so the old system can serve as a backup.
Interviews, observation, and questionnaires are examples of methods used during this activity.
What is post-implementation evaluation? These methods help gather feedback about system performance, user satisfaction, and possible problems.
System changes should be tested here before being introduced into the production system.
What is the test environment? Testing here helps identify errors without affecting actual users or business operations.
This group normally requires the most technical training on architecture, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Who are IT staff? They are responsible for supporting, maintaining, and fixing the system when technical problems occur.
A special program may be needed when the old and new systems use different data formats.
What is a conversion program? It changes data into the correct format so the new system can read and use it.
This method introduces the complete system first in one department, branch, or location.
What is pilot operation? The full system is tested with a limited group before being introduced across the organization.
This department's records can reveal common user problems after the system goes live.
What is the help desk? Help desk records show which issues users frequently encounter and where improvements may be needed.
Separating test and production environments helps protect these two things from untested changes.
What are data integrity and normal business operations? Keeping the environments separate reduces the chance of damaging real data or interrupting work.
This training approach teaches selected employees first so they can later teach their coworkers.
What is train-the-trainer? A few employees receive advanced training first, then they help train other employees within the organization.
Before conversion, organizations should check data for missing information, errors, and these repeated records.
What are duplicate records? Duplicates can cause inaccurate results and should be removed before the new system goes live.
This method introduces the new system gradually, one module or stage at a time.
What is phased operation? The system is implemented piece by piece instead of all at once, which helps reduce disruption.
The final report compares actual project costs and schedules with these original figures.
What are the original estimates? Comparing planned and actual results helps management see whether the project stayed within budget and schedule.
Before installing a new system, organizations should verify hardware, software, network settings, connectivity, and this factor related to system speed and capability.
What is performance? The organization must make sure the system can handle expected workloads efficiently before full operation.
Effective training should combine these three ways of learning.
What are hearing, seeing, and doing? Combining explanation, demonstration, and hands-on practice helps users understand and remember the system better.
During data conversion, controls are especially important because the data is particularly vulnerable to this type of access.
What is unauthorized access? Data may be exposed during transfer, so security controls are needed to protect sensitive information.
This changeover method generally has the lowest risk but the highest cost because two systems operate together.
What is parallel operation? Running both systems provides backup and comparison, but it also requires more time, effort, and resources.
This document formally marks the completion of the systems implementation phase.
What is the final report to management? It summarizes the completed project, evaluation results, actual costs, schedules, documentation, and planned improvements.