Direct “big bang” approach can be adopted - sudden change to new system
Could be used where a failure would not be catastrophic
Can be cheaper to implement
New system is available immediately if required
Can be the least disruptive if implemented well
New system may not work as well until staff are fully used to using it
If new system fails organisation have no system which could be costly or dangerous
Parallel running - both systems running together for a time
Safest option as if new system fails they still have existing system
New system is available immediately if required
The outputs from the old and new systems can be compared to check that the new system is running correctly
Expensive as require temporary staff or overtime for current staff to operate both systems
Could cause confusion for staff / customers having two systems
Phased changeover
- part-by-part (by functionality)
Allows users to gradually get used to the new system
Staff training can be done in stages
All staff can focus on one area to resolve any problems
Problems can be fixed quicker as more experts to resolve one functionality problem at a time
Difficulties identified in one area can be resolved and managed in next area
Might cause problems in the changeover period when they need to communicate with each other and have different systems
Slower to get new system up and running compared to some other methods
If a part of the new system fails, there is no back-up system, so data can be lost
Some systems cannot easily be broken down by functionality
All features of the new system can be fully trialled
If something goes wrong with the new system, only a small part of the organisation is affected
The staff who were part of the pilot scheme can help train other staff.
All staff can focus on one area to resolve any problems
Difficulties identified in one area can be resolved and managed in next area
For the office / department doing the pilot, there is no back-up system if things go wrong
Might cause problems in the changeover period when they need to communicate with each other and have different systems
Slower to get new system up and running compared to some other methods