Systems Development SDLC
The systems development life cycle (SDLC) describes a set of steps that produces a new computer information system. The SDLC is a problem-solving process. Each step in the process delineates a number of activities. Performing these activities in the order prescribed by the SDLC will bring about a solution to the business situation. The SDLC process consists of the following phases:
1. Preliminary investigation—the problem is defined and investigated.
2. Requirements definition—the specifics of the current system as well as the requirements of the proposed new system are studied and defined.
3. Systems design—a general design is developed with the purpose of planning for the construction of the new system.
4. Systems development—the new system is created.
5. System installation—the current operation is converted to run on the new system.
6. Systems evaluation and monitoring—the newly operational system is evaluated and monitored for the purpose of enhancing its performance and adding value to its functions.
7. Looping back from a later phase to an earlier one may occur if the need arises.
Each phase has a distinct set of unique development activities. Some of these activities may span more than one phase. The management activity tends to be similar among all phases. The SDLC is not standardized and may be unique to a given organization. In other words, the names and number of phases may differ from one SDLC to the next. However, the SDLC discussed here is, to a large extent, representative of what is typically adopted by organizations. At each phase certain activities are performed; the results of these activities are documented in a report identified with that phase. Management reviews the results of the phase and determines if the project is to proceed to the next phase. The first two phases of the SDLC process constitute the systems-analysis function of a business situation. The following discussion will concentrate on phase one (Preliminary Investigation) and phase two (Requirements Definition) of the outlined SDLC process.
Phase One - Planning (Systems Investigation)
2011-01-24 14:38:01
Planning’s primary functions are to identify the overall goals to be accomplished and the probability of achieving those goals with consideration too resources that will be required and the expenses that would be occurred. Through this process an organization/consumer should determine if the development effort would be beneficial and worth t...
Phase Two - Analysis (Systems Analysis)
2011-01-24 14:55:38
Analysis’s focuses on the current systems that are in place and being scrutinized for change. It is important to clearly identify the current systems inadequacies and pains. Through this process key success points can be identified along with failure points in the processes and workflow. The completion of this process will yield a clear picture of the development goals along with the approval of the decision makers and the buy-in of the systems key users.
Phase Three - Design (Systems Design)
2011-01-24 14:57:40
The system design stage proposes the solutions to the pain points identified in the analysis stage. At this point the complete system can be proposed much like an architectural firm presenting a blue print of a build. In this proposal would be the integration of all process and workflows that currently are attributes along with the additions that would address the customers pain points and/or desired proposed functions/processes.
Phase Four - Implementation (Systems Implementation)
2011-01-24 15:01:45
Implementing a system involves the actual actions that collectively yield the system. From writing the code, installing and configuring the hardware, to regression and training, all of these processes are considered the over act of implementation.
Phase Five - Support (Systems Maintenance & Review)
2011-01-24 15:04:35
Once a system has been implemented and integrated into the daily functions and workflow of an organization there becomes a necessary need for further minor development to ensure the system continues to react to an organizations needs and maintains its value to the organization. Additionally there is a need for continuous training as a company hires and promotes employees.