Installation Methods

Question 1

Define

Parallel installation method

Answer 1

When the new system is used at the same time as the old system - the two systems are said to be running in parallel.

Question 2

Define

Phased installation method

Answer 2

When small parts of the new system gradually replace small parts of the old system.

Question 3

Define

Pilot installation method

Answer 3

When a small group of users within an organization uses a new system prior to wider use.

Question 4

Define

Direct Cut Over installation method

Answer 4

When a new system is implemented without any phased or pilot implementation, it is said to be direct. The old system is retired, and the new system goes live.

Question 5

Advantages of

Parallel installation method

Answer 5

• Users can can compare the output of the old system with the output of the new system, to ensure correctness
• There is little risk of data loss because the system known to be functional is still running

Question 6

Advantages of

Phased installation method

Answer 6

• Training can be completed in small parts
• A failure of the new system has minimal impact because it is only one small part

Question 7

Advantages of

Pilot installation method

Answer 7

• Training can be supported by pilot group
• Failure or problems can be identified and addressed without wide-spread impact to the organization

Question 8

Advantages of

Direct Cut Over installation method

Answer 8

• If the system is not critical, this can be a good method for implementation
• It is very fast

Question 9

Disadvantages of

Parallel installation method

Answer 9

• Users must take more time to enter data into two different systems
• Data could be different in two different systems if there is intensive data entry.
• It is not as fast as direct cut over

Question 10

Disadvantages of

Phased installation method

Answer 10

• This implementation method takes more time to get the new system fully online than other methods.
• There is a possibility of data loss if part of the new system fails.

Question 11

Disadvantages of

Pilot installation method

Answer 11

• In a pilot, issues of scale can cause problems. For example, the system might work well for 10 users, but not for 1000.
• It is not as fast as direct cut over

Question 12

Disadvantages of

Direct Cut Over installation method

Answer 12

• Very high-risk - if you are not sure the system will work, this method of implementation may not be a good idea
• No time to learn the new system before it goes live