Introduction
The development and maintenance of the functioning of systems in various fields, including computer and engineering, is possible only with regular work and constant supervision. Implementing a System Life Cycle (SLC) can ensure compliance with established requirements. This method enables supervising and controlling processes, specifying issues, and proposing solutions while managing costs and introducing transparent communication. This essay lists and describes the systems phases, from the analysis to the final evaluation, and defines how each of them improves the performance of systems.
Importance of System Life Cycle
The SLC helps manage the development and support of systems in many industries, including digital and information technology, engineering, and computer systems. By introducing this approach, it is possible to ensure the quality of system functioning and compliance with established requirements and parameters. Therefore, stakeholders can be sure of the clear and established operation of the necessary processes. Moreover, by identifying specific problems, SLC helps manage costs by effectively directing resources. Finally, this approach fosters communication between stakeholders, including users and developers, ensuring everyone is included.
Phases of System Life Cycle
Analysis
For the system to function correctly, it is worth it for the stakeholders to be aware of the phases of SLC, the first of which is analysis. At this phase, it is necessary to identify the requirements and determine how the system will be designed. Formal and informal methods and a needs assessment are used (Nelson & Staggers, 2018).
Planning and Development
It is followed by the planning phase, during which the project is defined from a strategic point of view and its feasibility is assessed. At the same time, it is worth considering the scope, risks, requirements, purpose, and probability of specific results. In the next stage, the software and hardware elements of the system are developed, with the likely addition of new components if necessary.
Testing and Implementation
The testing phase is carried out to ensure that all system elements function correctly and meet the requirements. At this stage, it is possible to identify inaccuracies and defects, which will be dealt with by the development team. If inaccuracies are detected, the development team can return the system to the required stage and continue work. The developers can repeat testing as often as required until perfection is achieved. This phase is critical because it provides strong compliance results and insight into future improvements. Users can try using the system and later install it in their processes at the implementation stage.
Support
After the system successfully passes all the above-described stages and functions, it enters the support phase and is monitored in case of the need for bug fixes. Finally, evaluating the performance and effectiveness of all phases is necessary. Although all phases are necessary, this order of performance is optional since each of them can be repeated as much as necessary and when the situation requires it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the System Life Cycle is a practical and necessary approach for managing and controlling systems in various industries. By observing the systems’ phase order, one can ensure their quality and compliance with standards and set parameters. In addition, it helps to efficiently and economically allocate financial and intellectual resources, leading to better performance. The SLC approach encourages stakeholders to communicate productively. The SLC phases include analysis, planning, development, testing, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation. If necessary, the phases can be repeated for the best results.
Reference
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2018). Strategic planning and selecting an information system. In R. Nelson & N. Staggers (Eds.), Health informatics: An interprofessional approach (pp. 271–282). Elsevier.