Research - interview, observation, questionnaire, document search
Record information
Identify problems
Describe user requirements
Establish information, inputs, outputs and processing required
Specify hardware and software
Document system requirements
Analyst's report would include: Identified problems, input required, output required, processing required, suitable hardware, suitable software, recommendations
Documents and files
Inputs
Outputs
Validation
Diagrams
Create required file structures
Create inputs and outputs and validation rules
Design test data
Test the system
Implementation methods: direct, phased, parallel, pilot. Features of each - direct changeover means switch to full system from day 1, this may cause confusion or resentment (Terminal 5!). Need extensive testing to be sure that the new system will work as planned. Phased avoids confusion but means different parts of organisation have different versions of the system. Parallel is secure but involves more resources as both systems are kept going until the new system is passed as fit for purpose.
Purpose and limitations of system
Hardware and software requirements
User guide
Input and output formats
Sample runs
Error messages
Compare solution with original design
Conclusions drawn from testing and any modifications and improvements