Is the process of Analysing system to make sure they are operating as intended?

ANSWER

The four fundamental methods of verification are Inspection, Demonstration, Test, and Analysis.  The four methods are somewhat hierarchical in nature, as each verifies requirements of a product or system with increasing rigor.  I will provide a description of each with two brief examples of how each could be used to verify the requirements for a car and a software application.

Inspection is the nondestructive examination of a product or system using one or more of the five senses (visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, taste).  It may include simple physical manipulation and measurements.

• Car: visually examine the car to ensure that it has power windows, power adjustable seats, air conditioning, a navigation system, a tow package, etc.
• Software Application: visually examine the software for screens that were requested, check for the fields needed for data entry, verify that the necessary buttons exist for initiating required functionality, etc.

Demonstration is the manipulation of the product or system as it is intended to be used to verify that the results are as planned or expected.

• Car: use the automatic switches to verify that the windows and seats work as intended, start the vehicle and ensure that the air conditioning produces cold air, take the car for a test drive to sense the acceleration and cornering as it was described based on the requirements.
• Software Application: enter all required fields on a screen and select the button to return a specific report.  Ensure that the report is returned with the type of data needed.

Test is the verification of a product or system using a controlled and predefined series of inputs, data, or stimuli to ensure that the product or system will produce a very specific and predefined output as specified by the requirements.

• Car: accelerate the car from a complete stop to 60 mph, and verify that it can be done in 5.2 seconds.  Accelerate through a turn under controlled conditions, producing .8G of force, without the car loosing traction.
• Software Application: enter the type and model of car, automatic windows, power steering, and all other options as stated in the predefined test plan, select the price now button and receive back a price quote of precisely $43,690.

Analysis is the verification of a product or system using models, calculations and testing equipment.  Analysis allows someone to make predictive statements about the typical performance of a product or system based on the confirmed test results of a sample set or by combining the outcome of individual tests to conclude something new about the product or system.  It is often used to predict the breaking point or failure of a product or system by using nondestructive tests to extrapolate the failure point.

• Car: complete a series of tests which rev the engine at a specific rpm for a set length of time, while monitoring engine vibration and temperature, to verify that the expected results are achieve.  Use this information to model the failure point of the engine, i.e. max rpm sustained over a specific period of time.
• Software Application: complete a series of tests in which a specified number of users input the characteristics of the car they are attempting to price and initiate the pricing functionality at the same time.  Measure the response of the system to ensure that the pricing function returns its results within the time specified.  Analyze the relationship between increasing number of system users and the time it takes for pricing to be returned.  Record the results to capture system degradation.  Use this information to predict at what point the system no longer meets the maximum allowable time to return pricing as defined by the requirements.

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Chris Adams
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The system-development life cycle enables users to transform a newly-developed project into an operational one.

The System Development Life Cycle, "SDLC" for short, is a multistep, iterative process, structured in a methodical way. This process is used to model or provide a framework for technical and non-technical activities to deliver a quality system which meets or exceeds a business"s expectations or manage decision-making progression.

Traditionally, the systems-development life cycle consisted of five stages. That has now increased to seven phases. Increasing the number of steps helped systems analysts to define clearer actions to achieve specific goals.

Similar to a project life cycle (PLC), the SDLC uses a systems approach to describe a process. It is often used and followed when there is an IT or IS project under development.

The SDLC highlights different stages (phrases or steps) of the development process. The life cycle approach is used so users can see and understand what activities are involved within a given step. It is also used to let them know that at any time, steps can be repeated or a previous step can be reworked when needing to modify or improve the system.

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Following are the seven phases of the SDLC

1. Planning

This is the first phase in the systems development process. It identifies whether or not there is the need for a new system to achieve a business"s strategic objectives. This is a preliminary plan (or a feasibility study) for a company"s business initiative to acquire the resources to build on an infrastructure to modify or improve a service. The company might be trying to meet or exceed expectations for their employees, customers and stakeholders too. The purpose of this step is to find out the scope of the problem and determine solutions. Resources, costs, time, benefits and other items should be considered at this stage.

2. Systems Analysis and Requirements

The second phase is where businesses will work on the source of their problem or the need for a change. In the event of a problem, possible solutions are submitted and analyzed to identify the best fit for the ultimate goal(s) of the project. This is where teams consider the functional requirements of the project or solution. It is also where system analysis takes place—or analyzing the needs of the end users to ensure the new system can meet their expectations. Systems analysis is vital in determining what a business"s needs are, as well as how they can be met, who will be responsible for individual pieces of the project, and what sort of timeline should be expected.

There are several tools businesses can use that are specific to the second phase. They include:

• CASE (Computer Aided Systems/Software Engineering)
• Requirements gathering
• Structured analysis

3. Systems Design

The third phase describes, in detail, the necessary specifications, features and operations that will satisfy the functional requirements of the proposed system which will be in place. This is the step for end users to discuss and determine their specific business information needs for the proposed system. It"s during this phase that they will consider the essential components (hardware and/or software) structure (networking capabilities), processing and procedures for the system to accomplish its objectives.

4. Development

The fourth phase is when the real work begins—in particular, when a programmer, network engineer and/or database developer are brought on to do the major work on the project. This work includes using a flow chart to ensure that the process of the system is properly organized. The development phase marks the end of the initial section of the process. Additionally, this phase signifies the start of production. The development stage is also characterized by instillation and change. Focusing on training can be a huge benefit during this phase.

5. Integration and Testing

The fifth phase involves systems integration and system testing (of programs and procedures)—normally carried out by a Quality Assurance (QA) professional—to determine if the proposed design meets the initial set of business goals. Testing may be repeated, specifically to check for errors, bugs and interoperability. This testing will be performed until the end user finds it acceptable. Another part of this phase is verification and validation, both of which will help ensure the program"s successful completion.

6. Implementation

The sixth phase is when the majority of the code for the program is written. Additionally, this phase involves the actual installation of the newly-developed system. This step puts the project into production by moving the data and components from the old system and placing them in the new system via a direct cutover. While this can be a risky (and complicated) move, the cutover typically happens during off-peak hours, thus minimizing the risk. Both system analysts and end-users should now see the realization of the project that has implemented changes.

7. Operations and Maintenance

The seventh and final phase involves maintenance and regular required updates. This step is when end users can fine-tune the system, if they wish, to boost performance, add new capabilities or meet additional user requirements.

Importance of the SDLC

If a business determines a change is needed during any phase of the SDLC, the company might have to proceed through all the above life cycle phases again. The life cycle approach of any project is a time-consuming process. Even though some steps are more difficult than others, none are to be overlooked. An oversight could prevent the entire system from functioning as planned.

Systems development specialists at Innovative Architects possess extensive experience in managing these type of projects. If you have a situation at your organization and you think a customized software solution may be what you need, contact us today. Consultants at Innovative Architects will be able to quickly guide you through each of these steps, ensuring you can have your new system online as soon as possible.

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