Objectives: Introduction Over View of System Analysis and Design
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- 9.3.1.4 Phase – In Method
| 9.3.1.3 Pilot Approach When new systems also involve new techniques or drastic changes in organization performance, the pilot approach is often preferred. In this method, a working version of the system is implemented in one part of the organization, such as a single work area or department. The users in this area typically know that they are piloting anew system and that changes can be made to improve the system. When the system is deemed complete, it is installed throughout the organization, either all at once (direct cutover method) or gradually (phase – in method. This approach has the advantage of providing a sound proving ground before full implementation. However, if the implementation is not properly handled, users may develop the impression that the system continues to have problems and that it cannot be relied on. For example, they may feel that the difficulties they experienced for two or three weeks may in fact not begone just because the analysts claim they are. 9.3.1.4 Phase – In Method The phase- in method is used when it is not possible to install anew system throughout an organization all at once. The conversion of files, training of personnel, or arrival of equipment may force the staging of the implementation over a period of time. Ranging form weeks to months. Some users will begin to take advantage of the new system before others. For example, a medical system aimed at linking 10 or 15 different clinics to hospital may phase in over a year. The work required to convert patient and insurance records on paper to files stored on magnetic disks requires 2 to 3 weeks for each clinic. A week of user training is also required for each clinic. Therefore, the analysts may phase this system in one clinic at a time, allowing 3 to 4 weeks for each conversion. It is conceivable in this system that the full conversion will be phased over one year. Long phase – in periods create difficulties for analysts, whether the conversions go well or not. If the system is working well, early users will communicate their enthusiasm to other personnel who are waiting for implementation. In fact, enthusiasm may reach such a high level that when a group of users does finally receive the system, there is a letdown. In the clinic example, for instance, the medical staff may exaggerate the time savings that accrue from not having to search for medical records or manually prepare insurance claims, activities that will be handled by the new system. Later, when conversion occurs, the staff finds out that the system does not do the processing instantly. The disappointment is understandable. On the other hand, if there are problems in the early phases of implementation, word of difficulties will spread also. Then the users may expect difficulties at the time of conversion and react negatively to the smallest mistakes. When systems are phased in, they must work well on the first conversion and all that follow. Download 0.94 Mb. Share with your friends:
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