Phase 7: System Maintenance

1.13 Phase 7: System Maintenance

A system must be constantly monitored and maintained after it has been developed. Its functioning is monitored and corrective measures are taken to ensure that it fulfills its objectives. The maintenance phase is the longest phase of SDLC. In this phase, the system is updated to:

·         Fulfill the changing customer need

·         Adapt to accommodate change in the external environment

·         Correct errors and oversights previously undetected in the testing phase.

·         Enhance the efficiency of the software

1.14 System Analyst

The systems analyst is the person investigates, analyzes, designs, develops, installs, evaluates and maintains an information system.

1.14.1 Responsibilities

The systems analyst is responsible for a large variety of activities. Some activities area technical in nature such as the selection of hardware and software packages, the design of computes files and training of end users. Some are related to company’s business like recommending improvements to business procedures and designing a new payroll check.

The systems analyst must create project plans. These plans are schedules about different tasks to be done. He estimates costs for the work to be accomplished. He also writes memos, reports and documentation to keep people informed of the progress. He must also give presentations and lead meetings.

1.14.2 Required Skills and Background

A system analyst must have the skills in the application of computer technology and the technical skills in computer concepts, tools and techniques. He must possess knowledge of the company’s business and an understanding of business in general.

·         Education and Experience: Companies normally require systems analysts to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, business or closely related field. Experience as a programmer is also frequently required.

·         Communication Skills: Analyst has to deal with company and government officials. He must have very good communication skill. He should be able to speak and write properly. He should also be able to understand what others write and speak.

·         Convincing Power & Confidence: The system analyst works as an agent of change. The analyst should have convincing power to bring about this change effectively. He should be able to convince the users of the system about advantages of information system.

·         Creativity and Analytical Skill: A system analyst must be comfortable dealing with complex problems, ambiguity and uncertainty. Creativity and analytical skills are important in these circumstances.

·         Desire to Learn: Business requirements and computer technology change rapidly in today’s world. The systems analyst must have a strong desire to learn to keep current with these rapid changes. If you do not desire of learning and getting knowledge you can’t be the best analyst at any cost. You should know the ways to tackle others. You must be active and honest in your job otherwise you will be failed at any step of your life.

·         Aiming Targets:  Aim is really important for analyst, without aim he can’t go ahead. There should be settled goals and aims in your mind to be a perfect analyst. When you start thinking to achieve goals you also start learning that how you can achieve these goals.

·         Be Unique: Always be unique, don’t copy others whether this is also called cheating. Just use your own thinking, views and be confident. You will get the desired results always