Information Technology (IT) Controls

¶ … Controls In developing a new application that would replace an existing one, it is important that it should encompass all the existing functionalities of the old application that are of essential use to users. Technically, in terms of usability, the new system must meet all issues concerning the old application that caused its elimination. Moreover, the new application must be characterized by effectiveness, efficiency, accuracy, and better performance compared to the old one.

In view of this, it is necessary that the development process of the new application must follow a rigid set of development rules, standards, set in detailed course of actions. Through this, it can be assured that the newly developed application or software product does not put the business into risk. A set of development control and directives is necessary to ensure that all business control issues receive sufficient attention during the development process.

As Rachelle Benson states in her Information Technology can Manage Routine Business Processes, A well-designed and implemented system can run the routine side of the business 'like clockwork', managing processes and leaving managers and employees with more time to develop new business, find new customers and spend longer with existing customers. Following are several of the ideal steps for a simple development process of a new system.

Gather all business requirements applicable to the system Gathering of requirements, particularly the requirements of the business where the system will be implemented, is always the foremost pace in every development of new systems and applications. Through this, the developers of the application can have an overview and idea on what approach they will take in the development process.

Gather all existing requirements of the old system that are still necessary and must exist in the new system Anticipating the possibility that the system to be replaced is, in some way, still useful and effective to users is essential. This is especially true if the development process is meant to replace an old one. Through an analysis, review, and evaluation of the old application, the developers can have more idea on how they will make the new system better.

Gather all business issues in relation to the old system After gathering business information, and analyzing the old application, knowing the business issues that exist in the old system is essential since they are the reasons why a new application will be developed and why the old one will be replaced. This process can provide the developer and the project team a list of solutions to the current issues.

Gather the system's required input and output needs After having an overview of the purpose of the new application, getting all the necessary data is important to allow the start of the development process. This phase partially sets the system into main development process. Analyse the requirements and prepare a design of the system This phase marks the start of the development process of the new system. From the information and requirements gathered in the preceding phases, complete analysis of data is essential and critical.

It is from the correct analysis of information where the correct design of the system depends. Similarly, the efficiency, accuracy, and precision of the succeeding processes depend on right analysis of information. Have knowledge of the contact details of members of the project team (technical and non-technical members) This phase is important to allow an immediate communication between project team members regarding any concerns that might appear.

Regularly hold a meeting for the project where business issues can be discussed Holding a regular project meeting is beneficial to the output of the project, in our case a new application. Within regular meetings, the progress of the project can be monitored, and, issues and concerns can be discussed After completion of the system's development, hold a user-acceptance-test This process can ensure that all the functionalities of the new system meet the business requirements and issues.