Once the new system is implemented and put to operation, it is necessary to evaluate the system to verify whether it is meeting its objectives. These objectives of the system are clearly stated during its problem analysis and system planning phase. The post implementation system evaluation is normally carried out by people who have an independent viewpoint, and are not responsible for the development and maintenance of the system. While evaluating a system, the following points are normally considered:
- Performance Evaluation: The performance of the new system is evaluated and compared with the performance of the old system. In generally, the new system should be at least as efficient as the old one in performance. In case of any slack, the reason is analyzed, and if possible, necessary changes are incorporated in the new system to rectify it.
- Cost Analysis: It should be analyzed whether the cost estimates done for the various phases of the project, during the planning phase in the beginning, matches with the actual cost incurred in each phase. In case of discrepancies, the cost analysis will help in finding out the reasons. The knowledge can be used in making correct cost estimates for the new systems, which will be designed in future.
- Time Analysis: It should be analyzed whether the time estimates done for the various phases of the project, during the planning phase in the beginning, matches with the actual time taken in each phase. In case of discrepancies, the time analysis will help in finding out the reasons. The knowledge can be used in making correct time estimates for the new systems, which will be designed in future.
- User Satisfaction: It should be found out whether the users are satisfied with the new system. How useful is the system for them? How enthusiastic are they about the service they receive? Do they received outputs in time to take necessary action? The morale of people using or affected by a system is a good measure of the success of the system.
- Ease of Modification: Sooner or later, all systems need to be modified due to one or more of the reasons mentioned in the next section. Hence, the ease with which a system can be modified to incorporate the suggested changes is also an important parameter to judge the quality of the system.
- Failure Rate: The quality of a system also depends on its failure rate. A system, which frequently fails cannot meet its objectives successfully. Hence, it is of poor quality.
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