Checking Your Work

The process of establishing an enterprise level business system can be a complicated process. There are many considerations and steps that must be completed to ensure that the proposed system meets the needs of the business. One of the most important steps in the process is the post implementation evaluation. This step is used to verify that the implementation has been successful and is a key in ensuring that the system is prepared to support the business needs.

As soon as the system has been implemented the next important step is to apply measures of effectiveness to the implementation. This allows the business toe evaluate the effectiveness of the system. In the book Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World the authors John W. Satzinger, Robert B. Jackson, Stephen D. Burd, Richard Johnson stated:

Implementation and support activities are often considered straightforward and dull--they don't attract the same attention or enthusiasm as analysis and design activities.

(https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary/content/eReader.h)

I can not say that I totally agree with this statement, but there is some validity to it. Because of this fact, care must be taken to ensure that the implementation phase of an enterprise level business system is successful.

There are many pieces of information that must be collected to ensure a successful implementation of the system. Some of the required information needed for evaluating the effectiveness of the system is:

* Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of information system output

* User satisfaction

* System reliability and maintainability

* Adequacy of system controls and security measures

* Hardware efficiency and platform performance

* Effectiveness of database implementation

* Performance of the IT team

* Completeness and quality of documentation

* Quality and effectiveness of training

* Accuracy of cost-benefit estimates and development schedules

(https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary/content/eReader.h)

Because of the large amount of information needed, it can be difficult to accurately measure success. There are a few way to gather the needed information.

Early in the implementation phase of the system development a build test should be conducted. This is an easy way to provide rapid feedback regarding major problems. The earlier these problems are identified, the earlier they can be addressed and solved.

In addition, different versions of the system should be tested. Complex systems are developed, installed,