lesson-12-system-implementation

PHASE 4 :
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
LESSON 12
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

INTRODUCTION
In the previous lesson, we have learned several types of user interfaces and how to design a
good user interface. In this lesson, we will discuss on system implementation. System
implementation is the fourth phase in the system development life cycle (SDLC). The purpose of
system implementation is to build a properly working system, install it in organization, replace
and old systems, preparing system and user documentation and train users. This lesson
consists of six sections:
 Overview of system implementation
 Coding
 Testing
 Installation
 Documenting the system
 Training
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to :
 explain the purpose of the implementation phase in the system development life cycle
and activities involved
 identify tasks involved during coding activity in system implementation
 apply four types of testing in the system development
 apply four installation strategies; direct, parallel, single location and phased installation
 prepare the system and user documentation for the information system
 conduct a training to system stakeholder
TERMINOLOGY
No
Word
Definition
1
Coding
A process whereby the physical specifications created in the
previous phases are turned into working computer codes by
the programmer team
2
Installation
the process of moving from the current system to the new or
enhanced system
3
Integration testing
A testing where it involves two or more modules that link
each other

4
System implementation
A development, installation and testing of system
components and delivery of that system into production
5
System testing
A testing where the it involves the integration of the whole
programs into a system
6
Unit testing
A testing done at the individual level of program or module
7
User documentation
Written or visual information about system; on how it works,
and how to use it.
12.1 OVERVIEW OF SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
System implementation is the development, installation and testing of system components and
delivery of that system into production (Bentley et. al., 2007). The purpose of system
implementation is to build a system, install it, replace and old systems, preparing system and
user documentation and train users. During this phase, it’s also involved closedown the entire
project.
System implementation has several major activities. There are five major tasks in this phase;
coding, testing, installation, documentation and training as in Figure 12-1. The purpose of this
phase is to convert the physical system specifications into working and reliable software and
hardware, document the work that have been done and provide help for current and future
users.

Figure 12-1: Five Activities in the System Implementation Phase
12.2 CODING
Coding is the process whereby the physical specifications created in the previous phases are
turned into working computer codes by the programmer team. Coding is an activity where all the
designed during the previous phases will be programmed using a software that have been
defined before. This is a time where most of the programmer will sit in front of computers and do
coding. During the coding, each program module will be tested individually, then as part of a
larger program, and as the complete system. At the same time, the team should come out with
a system and user documentation to help users in using the system.
There are several sub activities involved during coding activity. Normally, all this activities
involved system analyst, programmer, system designer and database administrator. These
activities are planned simultaneously with other activities;
 Network building and testing
In many cases, new or enhanced system is building around existing networks. If so, just
skip this task. But, if the system develops require a new or enhanced networks, it should
be implemented before building and testing the database, coding and installing computer
System
Planning
System
Analysis
System
Design
System
Implementation
System
Maintenance
√ Coding
√ Testing
√ Installation
√ Documentation
√ Training

program. Today, most of the systems are developed in a web-based environment, or at
least intranet.
 Database building and testing
We can say that a database is compulsory for any system. As mentioned earlier,
database is a place where we kept all the data. So, this task must be leading other
programming activities because database is shared by the computer program. If the
system develop require a new or enhanced database, this task is required.
 Install and test new software
Not all, but most of the system development requires the organization to purchase or
lease a new software package. If required, this software should be installed and tested
once the previous task is completed.
 Write and test new programs
This is the major task in coding activity. Once we have completed all the previous tasks;
we can start to develop the system. Today, most of the organizations prefer to use
prototyping approach when developing the system.
12.2.1 Exercises
Answer TRUE or for FALSE for each of the questions below.
1. Coding is the process whereby the physical specifications created in the previous phases
are turned into working computer codes by the programmer team. TRUE
2. There are several sub activities involved during coding and all this activities are compulsory.
FALSE
3. Most of the system developed is around the existing network, so, no need to build and test a
network. TRUE
4. Database installed should be tested. TRUE
5. Most of the organizations are prefer to use prototyping when develop a system. TRUE
12.3 SYSTEM TESTING
After coding, a programmer must conduct a test. Each program will be tested in order to make
sure it functions correctly. Later, programs are tested in groups, followed by testing with the
entire system. The first step in testing is to compile the program to detect any syntax errors. If