System Conversion Methods - Research Paper Example

System Conversion Methods Table of Contents System Conversion 3 A.Parallel Conversion 3 B.Direct Conversion 4 C.Pilot Conversion 4 D.Phased Conversion 5 2.Widely Accepted Conversion Method 6 3.References 7 1. System Conversion Once a system is developed, whether simple or complex, it requires successful implementation alongside being workable. Conversion is the transition process wherein the hardware, software and files of the existing system are converted to match the new system (Williams, 2005).

Thus, it is the process through which the new system is put into operation (Shelly et. al, 2008). There are four methods of converting the existing system with a new one; direct, parallel, phased and pilot. A. Parallel Conversion This conversion method involves the simultaneous working of the old and the new system for a period of time. Once the new system has proved its reliability, the use of the old system can be discontinued. The advantage of parallel conversion is that as both the systems are operating at the same time, the users can compare their various mechanisms and get a better understanding of the operational differences between the two.

In case, a problem occurs in the new system, it can be fixed prior to discontinuing the use of the old system. The disadvantage of parallel conversion is that it involves an additional resource overhead in running two systems at the same time. The users have to manage with both the systems and separate hardware and files will also have to be maintained for each system. This could also create confusion regarding the fact that which system generates the correct output. B. Direct Conversion This conversion method involves replacement of the existing system with the new one at once.

In other words, the new system is plugged while the old one is unplugged. It is generally used when the new system is not critical. This is because there is no backup system to fall onto in case the newly installed system fails. So the conversion is appropriate for sites where a failure would be not be disastrous. Secondly, it is used when the new system is meant to generate a huge percentage of new outputs or when parallel conversion is not possible. Direct conversion comes with minimal transition costs but with the highest level of risks (Shelly, et. al, 2008).

The risk of direct conversion is that the new system is that there is no way to assess if the new system installed is operating correctly in the operation environment or if the users fully understand the working of the system. As there is no backup, problems could be raised in case the new system fails. C. Pilot Conversion This conversion method involves launching the new system on trial basis in a small part of the intended organization. The old system continues to work in the rest of the organization.

In case, the new system proves its reliability, it is installed all throughout the organization. An advantage of pilot conversion is that in case the new system fails or raises problems, their effect is limited to a portion of the organization. The new system is still available and can be reverted to if the new system cannot be applied. Thus the conversion risks are low for this conversion method. Secondly, in case the new system proves to be reliable, the other parts of the organization become motivated to accept the new system.

The disadvantage of the conversion method is that the part of organization the system is trialed on may not be keen in accepting the new system. Secondly, confusion could be created as some users draw results based on old system while others on the new one. D. Phased Conversion This conversion method involves the steady and gradual replacement of the old system with the new one. This replacement in itself could be direct or parallel (Dixit, 2007). A portion of the system operations can then be implemented by the new system while the remaining is carried out by the old system.

Thus, the replacement is done module by module until the new system is installed into all the processing modules within an organization (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2011). The advantage of phased conversion is less expensive as it is implemented in modules. Secondly, the risks involved are limited to a module rather than the entire system. In case the system fails in a particular module, the working of the other modules is not affected. The only disadvantage of phased conversion is that as the system is implemented over separate modules, it takes a longer time for complete conversion to take place. 2. Widely Accepted Conversion Method The above mentioned characteristics of the four generic system conversion methods have brought forward a few facts.

Direct conversion, although least expensive, poses the highest risk as in case of failure, there is no backup system left to return to. Parallel conversion offers the lowest level of risk as the old system is intact but it is costly as resources have to be reserved to run two systems in parallel. Secondly, parallel systems are restricted to accounting systems where the correct generation of results is critical. Pilot and phased conversion methods represent a compromise solution between the direct and the phased conversion methods.

They are less risky as compared to direct conversion and less costly as compared to parallel conversion method. The choice of the conversion method adopted depends upon the characteristics of the organization implementing the new system such as the availability of resources such as users, hardware, money and time. It also depends on factors such as the system being critical or non-critical, ability to separate operation into modules, etc. Therefore in practice, the less risky and less costly pilot and phased conversion methods are more appropriate for the systems today. 3. References Shelly, G. B., Vermaat, M. E., Quasney, J.J., Sebok, S.L., Webb, J.J. (2008).

Discovering Computers: Fundamentals. Cengage Learning. Williams (2005). Using Information Technology: A Practical Introduction To Computers & Communications. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Shelly,G.B. & Rosenblatt, H.J. (2011). Systems Analysis and Design. Cengage Learning. Dixit, J.B. (2007). Structured System Analysis and Design. Firewall Media.