Systems development is systematic process which includes phases such as

planning, analysis, design, deployment, and maintenance. Here, in this tutorial, we

will primarily focus on −

 Systems analysis

 Systems design

Systems Analysis

It is a process of collecting and interpreting facts, identifying the problems, and

decomposition of a system into its components.

System analysis is conducted for the purpose of studying a system or its parts in
order to identify its objectives. It is a problem solving technique that improves the
system and ensures that all the components of the system work efficiently to
accomplish their purpose.

Analysis specifies what the system should do.

Systems Design

It is a process of planning a new business system or replacing an existing system

by defining its components or modules to satisfy the specific requirements. Before
planning, you need to understand the old system thoroughly and determine how
computers can best be used in order to operate efficiently.

System Design focuses on how to accomplish the objective of the system.

System Analysis and Design (SAD) mainly focuses on −

  Systems

 Processes

 Technology

What is a System?

The word System is derived from Greek word Systema, which means an organized
relationship between any set of components to achieve some common cause or
objective.

A system is “an orderly grouping of interdependent components linked together

according to a plan to achieve a specific goal.”

Constraints of a System

A system must have three basic constraints −

 A system must have some structure and behavior which is designed to

achieve a predefined objective.

 Interconnectivity and interdependence must exist among the system

components.

 The objectives of the organization have a higher priority than the objectives
of its subsystems.

For example, traffic management system, payroll system, automatic library system,
human resources information system.
  Characteristics of system:
Predetermined Objectives
It can be further subdivided
All components can be interdependent or interrelated

Types of Systems The systems can be divided into the following types −

Physical or Abstract Systems

Physical systems are tangible entities. We can touch and feel them.

Physical System may be static or dynamic in nature. For example, desks and chairs
are the physical parts of computer center which are static. A programmed computer
is a dynamic system in which programs, data, and applications can change
according to the user's needs.

Abstract systems are non-physical entities or conceptual that may be formulas,

representation or model of a real system.

Open or Closed Systems

An open system must interact with its environment. It receives inputs from and
delivers outputs to the outside of the system. For example, an information system
which must adapt to the changing environmental conditions.

A closed system does not interact with its environment. It is isolated from
environmental influences. A completely closed system is rare in reality.

Adaptive and Non Adaptive System

Adaptive System responds to the change in the environment in a way to improve
their performance and to survive. For example, human beings, animals.

Non Adaptive System is the system which does not respond to the environment.
For example, machines.

Permanent or Temporary System

Permanent System persists for long time. For example, business policies.

Temporary System is made for specified time and after that they are demolished.
For example, A DJ system is set up for a program and it is dissembled after the
program.

Natural and Manufactured System

Natural systems are created by the nature. For example, Solar system, seasonal
system.

Manufactured System is the man-made system. For example, Rockets, dams,

trains.

Deterministic or Probabilistic System

Deterministic system operates in a predictable manner and the interaction between

system components is known with certainty. For example, two molecules of
hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen makes water.

Probabilistic System shows uncertain behavior. The exact output is not known. For
example, Weather forecasting, mail delivery.

Social, Human-Machine, Machine System

Social System is made up of people. For example, social clubs, societies.

In Human-Machine System, both human and machines are involved to perform a

particular task. For example, Computer programming.

Machine System is where human interference is neglected. All the tasks are
performed by the machine. For example, an autonomous robot.

Man–Made Information Systems

It is an interconnected set of information resources to manage data for particular

organization, under Direct Management Control (DMC).

 This system includes hardware, software, communication, data, and

application for producing information according to the need of an
organization.
Man-made information systems are divided into three types −
 Formal Information System − It is based on the flow of information in the
form of memos, instructions, etc., from top level to lower levels of
management.
 Informal Information System − This is employee based system which
solves the day to day work related problems.
 Computer Based System − This system is directly dependent on the
computer for managing business applications. For example, automatic
library system, railway reservation system, banking system, etc.

Elements of a System
The following diagram shows the elements of a system −
Outputs and Inputs :- The main aim of a system is to produce an output which is
useful for its user. Inputs are the information that enters into the system for
processing. Output is the outcome of processing.

Processor(s) :- The processor is the element of a system that involves the actual
transformation of input into output. It is the operational component of a system.
Processors may modify the input either totally or partially, depending on the output
specification. As the output specifications change, so does the processing. In some
cases, input is also modified to enable the processor for handling the
transformation.

Control:- The control element guides the system. It is the decision–making

subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input, processing, and
output. The behavior of a computer System is controlled by the Operating System
and software. In order to keep system in balance, what and how much input is
needed is determined by Output Specifications.
Feedback :- Feedback provides the control in a dynamic system.

Positive feedback is routine in nature that encourages the performance of the

system.

Negative feedback is informational in nature that provides the controller with

information for action.

Environment :- The environment is the “supersystem” within which an

organization operates. It is the source of external elements that strike on the
system. It determines how a system must function. For example, vendors and
competitors of organization’s environment, may provide constraints that affect the
actual performance of the business.

Boundaries and Interface :- A system should be defined by its boundaries.

Boundaries are the limits that identify its components, processes, and
interrelationship when it interfaces with another system. Each system has
boundaries that determine its sphere of influence and control. The knowledge of
the boundaries of a given system is crucial in determining the nature of its interface
with other systems for successful design.

 System Analyst:
A system analyst is a person responsible for the development of software
and hardware solution to the efficient working of the organization. Analysts
study the environment and problems of an organization to determine
whether a new information method can provide solution to the problem.
 The main job of system analyst is to provide right type of information, in
right quantity at the right time in post effective manner to the management
or the end user.

 Roles of System Analyst:

· Defining IT requirements of organization
· Gathering Data/Facts
· Analyzing the problem
· Setting priority amongst requirements
· Problem solving
· Drawing Specification
· Designing System
· Evaluating System

1. Defining IT requirements of organization:

The most imp and difficult task of an analyst is to understand the
organization’s requirement’s information. It includes interviewing users
finding out what information is they are using in the current system.
2. Gathering Data/Facts:
For gathering data or facts, written documents are important because these
documents represent the formal information flow in the system. The analyst
studies documents such as input forms, output records, invoices etc to
understand how data are passed and used in the present system.

3. Analyzing the problem:

After gathering data or facts the analyst analyses the working of current
system and find out to what extent it meet the user’s needs.

4. Setting priority amongst requirements:

In the organization there are many types of users, each user has different
types of information needs. It may not e possible to satisfy the requirements
of everyone due to limited availability of resources so it is necessary to give
priority. The priorities are set on the basis of urgency and importance of
user’s need.

5. Problem solving:
The system analyst helps IT users to solve their information problems. In
that role he must understand the problem and suggest solutions.

6. Drawing specification:
The analyst obtains the input and output specification for optimal
functioning of the system to be developed.

7. Designing system:
Once the specifications are accepted by the management the analyst gets on
to the design of the system. The analyst must be aware of the latest design
tools for the system design so analyst also knows as architect.

8. Evaluating system:
An analyst must critically test the performance of the designed system with
specifications after it has been in use for a reasonable period of time.

SDLC(Software/System Development Life Cycle):

It is a well defined process by which a system is planned, developed and
implemented. The system development starts with the requirement for
improving their business system.

There are following activities involves in SDLC :-

· Preliminary Investigation (Problem Identification)
· Feasibility study
· System analysis
· System designing
· Development of software
· System testing
· Implementation & Evaluation
· Maintenance
1. Preliminary Investigation OR Problem Identification:
One of most difficult task of the system analyst is identifying the real
problem of the existing system. It defines the user requirements or what the
user expects from the new system. This also includes the rough idea of the
resource requirements as well as estimated time for completion and number
of persons expected to be involve in each phase.
Problem identification helps in :-
i. Defining a problem
ii. Setting proper system goal
ii. Determining the boundaries of the project by
considering the limitations of available resources

2. Feasibility study:
It determine the possibility of either improving the existing system or
developing the complete new system. It helps to obtain an overview of the
problem and to get rough assessment of whether physical solution exist. The
purpose of feasibility study is to determine whether the requested system
successfully realizable.

There are four aspects of feasibility study :-

i. Technical feasibility

ii. Economical feasibility

iii. Operational feasibility

iv. Behavioural feasibility

i. Technical feasibility:
It involves the required and existing computer system, hardware, software &
to what extent it can support the proposed application.
It answers following questions :-
o Whether the system can be carried out with existing equipments ?
o Whether the existing software is enough ?
o If a new technology is required how best it can be implemented ?
ii. Economic feasibility:
It involves post benefit analysis to determine the benefit and savings that are
expected from new system and compared with costs. It benefits out weight
cost then decision is made to design and implement new system.

iii. Operational feasibility:

It concerns with human, organisational and political aspects. It covers
technical performance as well as acceptance within the organisation. It
determines the general attitude and job skills of existing personals and
whether any restructuring of jobs will be acceptable to the current user.

iv. Behavioural feasibility:

It includes how strong the reaction of staff will be towards the development
of new system that involves computer’s use in their daily work. So resistant
to change is identified.
3. System analysis:
It involves detailed understanding of all important facts of the business area
under investigation. This require data collection from a verity of sources
such as questionnaires, forms, interviews, study of existing documents. It
can be involved the direct observation in the organisation and collected
documents to understand the whole existing system.

4. System designing:
In this process the primary object is to identify user requirements and to
build a system that satisfies these requirements. Design of the system is
mainly the logical design that can be sketch on a paper or on a computer. It
includes physical design elements, describes the data to be inputted.

The process involved in manipulation of data & output design represents:-

i. File structure, storage devices etc
ii. Database is also designed in this phase
iii. Changes to be made in the organisational structure of the firm are
outlines
iv. Input, Output, files, forms and procedures are planned
v. Finally standards for testing, documentation, system control are
designed.

5. Development of software:
Development is a phase where detailed design is used to actually construct
and build the system. In this phase the system is decided whether to buy
commercial software or to develop new customized program with the help of
the programmers. The choice depends upon the cost of software and cost of
programming.

6. System testing:
Testing is a process of making sure that the program performs the intended
task. Once the system is designed it should be tested for validity. During this
phase the system is used experimentally to ensure that software does not fail
and it will work according to its specification. It is tested with special test
data.
7. Implementation & Evaluation:
This is the final phase of development. It consists of installing hardware,
programs, collecting data and organizing people to interact with and run the
system. In this phase user actually starts using the system therefore it also
involves training of users and provides friendly documentation.
Evaluation is the process of verifying the capability of a system after it put
into operation to see whether it meets the objective or not. It includes
response time, overall reliability and limitations user behaviour.

8. Maintenance:
It is process of incorporating changes in the implemented existing system.
i. Enhancement: Adding new functions or additional capability of
the system.

ii. Adaptation: Customizing the software to run in a new

environment.

iii. Correction: Correcting the bugs in the existing software.