"The actions that are taken to create an information
system that solves an organizational problem are called
system development".1 These include system analysis, system
design, programming/implementation, testing,
conversion, production and finally maintenance. These actions usually
take place in that specified order but some may need to repeat or be
accomplished concurrently.
Conversion is the process of changing or
converting the old system into the new. This can be done in three
basic ways, though newer methods (prototyping, Extreme Programming, JAD, etc.)
are replacing these traditional conversion methods in many cases:
• Direct cut - The new
system replaces the old at an appointed time.
•
Pilot study — Introducing the new system to
a small portion of the operation to see how it fares. If good then the new
system expands to the rest of the company.
•
Phased approach - New system is introduced in stages.