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implementation phase in sdlc

What Happen in The Implementation Phase in SDLC (IN DETAIL!)

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What is the software development life cycle?

SDLC is a method for creating software of the highest quality at the lowest possible cost and in the shortest amount of time. Software development life cycle (SDLC) provides a well-structured flow of phases that aids an organization in producing high-quality, thoroughly tested, and production-ready software in a short amount of time. 

The software development life cycle (SDLC) consists of the seven steps outlined below. The waterfall model, the spiral model, and the Agile model are all well-known systems development life cycle (SDLC) approaches. In this research, we are going to dive deeper into the fourth phase of the SDLC, which is the implementation phase. Before that, we need to know how the Software Development Life Cycle works.

7Phases of SDLC

  1. Project Planning
  2. Gathering requirements and analysis
  3. Design
  4. Coding or Implementation
  5. Testing
  6. Deployment
  7. Maintenance

How the SDLC Works

The benefits of SDLC include a reduction in software development costs, increased software quality, and a faster development cycle. These seemingly contradictory objectives can be reconciled with the implementation phase in the SDLC of a plan that avoids the common pitfalls of software development projects. Examining the current system critically is the first step in this method. The next step is a description of the new system’s prerequisites. Following this, the software development life cycle (SDLC) of analysis, planning, design, development, testing, and deployment is initiated. By anticipating time-consuming mistakes like failing to request input from the end-user or customer, SLDC can reduce the need for rework and last-minute corrections. There is a heavy emphasis on the testing phase, which is noteworthy in and of itself. Since the SDLC is iterative in nature, quality assurance of the code must be performed at each cycle. Many businesses put little emphasis on testing, despite the fact that doing so would reduce the need for costly and time-consuming rework. Make sure you’re creating the right kinds of tests. However, in this article, we are going to dive into the concept of the implementation phase in the SDLC instead of the testing phase.

Implementation Phase in SDLC

During the implementation phase in SDLC, the project begins to take shape. The construction of the final product is the focus of this stage. Developers are busy writing code, artists are creating visual assets, contractors are constructing, and the actual reorganization is happening. By this point, the project has become obvious to observers from outside, who may mistakenly believe that work has just begun. Action happens during implementation, so it’s crucial to keep going strong.

The automated system/application or other IT solution needs to enter production during the Implementation Phase after having been in the Development Phase. Implementation can mean different things depending on the nature of the project and the IT solution being implemented. The Implementation Phase in SDLC is when tasks like data conversion, rolling out the system in stages, and training users, administrators, and support staff are completed. In terms of system security, the implementation phase is when the final system is certified and accredited for use in the production environment. A formal decision to release the complete IT solution into the Operations and Maintenance Phase marks the end of the Implementation Phase.

Types of Implementation Methods

The developers may have to choose between a variety of software implementation strategies in order to accomplish the initial challenge they were tasked with. Some company recommends using one of the following three approaches, depending on the circumstances:

  • New methodological application. It is possible to define it as a process in which new software takes the place of traditional methods of recording. In this particular scenario, there are some tasks that need to be completed, such as user training, file conversion, etc.
  • Replacement implementation. New programs have been developed to take the place of the older software. It requires careful planning in order to overcome any challenges that may appear.
  • Implementation with alterations. The outdated software has been upgraded to a newer version that incorporates some changes. Due to the relatively small size of the file modification area, this type of implementation can be completed with relative ease.

Every strategy has the potential to deliver tangible benefits to the company and to enhance the outcome.

Main steps

Because the process of implementing software has an effect on the work that the organization undertakes, it has been separated into a number of distinct processes. On each stage, there is a list of operations that are required, the exact nature of which is determined by the goal. Every transaction has its own particular nuances and is completed following an agreement with the client:

  • Before beginning work on a project, a thorough investigation of the work that is being done by the company by specialists. After the preliminary survey and audit have been completed, the customer will receive recommendations pertaining to the expansion of the technical task.
  • Establishing a group for the implementation of software. The software development company will put together an integration team for the program and will hire engineers.
  • The installation of the program on the servers, in addition to testing, checking, and adjusting the operational state of the system that is being installed.
  • The implementation procedure has been completed, but there are still additional steps in the life cycle software development process, which are referred to as post-installation. It may consist of works such as the following:
    • Instruction of a customer-provided team of highly trained professionals in the use of a newly released product. It is feasible to perform the task either off-site or at the physical location of the organization.
    • Making adjustments in response to the feedback received from users of the newly released software.
  • When all of the agreed-upon changes have been made to the system, it will then be handed over to the customer, at which point the implementation process will be regarded as having been finished.

How some company approach the implementation phase in SDLC

Develop all-encompassing solutions for workers that enable them to capitalize on shifting trends in technologies and business models, live up to the expectations of their customers, and remain in compliance with the mandates of regulatory agencies. The majority of the company’s information technology products contribute to the successful execution of a company’s strategy by utilizing the following approaches:

  • Agile & DevOps;
  • Startups support;
  • Machine learning;
  • Internet of things.

Because of their methodology and engineering services, it is now possible to rapidly develop and put into action digital decisions that are optimal for a variety of business areas.

Objective:

First, the software must be installed and made operational in the production environment; second, it must be checked to make sure that the developed version of the software:

  • Fulfills the necessary functional requirements.
  • Completely meets the requirements of the company
  • Respects all regulations, restrictions on space, and service level agreements; and
  • Meets the specifications outlined in the user and operator manuals

Entry Criteria

All of the system’s business, technical, and management stakeholders must have given their stamp of approval before it can be considered complete. Software Delivery Team has been given the Maintenance Manual.

Roles and Responsibilities

Software Delivery Team: Maintains all software documentation and user guides for the group that is responsible for maintenance. The software delivery team will provide any training that is requested in order to assist maintenance team technicians in becoming familiar with the behaviors of the software. After the responsibility has been transferred from the software delivery team to the maintenance team, the application should be added to the inventory of supported applications.

Software Maintenance Team: Performs a thorough review of all software documentation, creates a maintenance plan for the software, and offers support for the software up until the terms of the maintenance plan become invalid.

Project Manager: Responsible for ensuring that everything runs properly during the implementation phase of the SDLC. The Project Manager is in charge of leading the Integrated Project Team to complete the tasks and deliverables of the Implementation Phase.

Integrated Project Team: No matter where they work permanently, the members of the Integrated Project Team are responsible for doing the tasks given to them by the Project Manager.

Release Manager: The authority in charge of giving the go-ahead for the release of software to production.

Customer: Sponsors the effort of the team and gives approval before reviewing both the strategy and the artifacts.

End User: Users who are at the very end of the system.

Review (Revision)

When problems or bugs are found in production and a rollback or new release is necessary, adjustments are made.

Approval

Both the release manager and the client must confirm the software is working properly.

Activities

The following are some of the activities that are included in the implementation phase. The individuals and organizations that will be influenced by this change are provided with advanced notice of it. It’s also smart practice to let departments within the company that won’t be directly impacted by the implementation know when to expect disruptions in their daily operations.

  • The timetable for carrying out the procedure
  • A quick rundown of the advantages that come with the new system
  • The difference between the old and new system
  • End-user responsibilities that will change as a result of the implementation stage
  • Information on how to get system support, such as who to call and how to reach them, is provided.

In most cases, transferring data from the old system to the new one is part of the implementation process. There are two parts to this job: entering data and checking it for accuracy. Whenever an automated system is implemented in place of a manual one, information previously stored on paper documents must be entered online. It’s important to check in at various points to make sure the data is being entered correctly. This can also happen during data transfer if certain fields in the old system were filled out incorrectly, which would then compromise the new database. It is essential for a functional computer system to verify the historical data. Parallel operations are one method for checking the correctness of the system and the reliability of the data. While waiting for certification of the new system, both the old process and the new system will be operated in parallel. This way, the operation can continue on the old system while the kinks in the new one are ironed out, in case the new one fails for any reason. Set up the system in a real-world setting to test its functionality and performance. All previous phases’ documentation is updated at this point to reflect the system as delivered. This process of keeping things current is supervised by the project manager. The Authority to Operate and the publication of the System of Record Notice are prerequisites for the Operational Readiness Review.

Exit Criteria

Once the release manager and the customer have reviewed and signed off on the implementation report that the software meets all business and technical requirements, and the maintenance manual has been delivered to the Software Maintenance Team, the training manual has been delivered to the Trainer/End User, and the user manual has been delivered to the end user, the implementation phase is complete.

At the end of the phase

In one case, the team failed to realize that one of their most valuable resources was about to become a father and would be out of the loop for the next month. To prevent the team from coming to a complete halt, outside help was brought in to take over his duties when the time came. The cost of the outside help was high, but the team was able to move forward.

When the implementation phase in SDLC is over, the result is assessed using the requirements list that was compiled during the definition phase. This takes place after the result has been fully implemented. Additionally, it is evaluated taking into account the designs. For instance, tests might be run to determine whether or not the web application actually supports Internet Explorer 5 as well as Firefox 1.0 and higher versions. It is possible to determine whether the building’s trim has been constructed in accordance with the agreement or whether the materials that have been used are in fact those that had been specified during the phase of the definition process. When all of the requirements have been satisfied and the end product is in accordance with the design, this phase can be considered finished.

Everyone who is involved in a project needs to keep in mind that it is almost never possible to produce a result for the project that precisely meets all of the requirements that were initially specified in the definition phase. This is something that everyone involved in the project needs to keep in mind. During the course of the implementation of a project, a team may find that it is necessary to deviate from the initial list of requirements or any other design documents. This may be the result of unforeseen events or the development of new insights. This has the potential to be a source of conflict, particularly in the event that the project result was ordered by an external customer. In circumstances like these, the client has the right to make a claim based on the agreements that were reached during the phase of definition. Once the phase of definition has been completed, it is against the rules to alter the requirements in any way. This principle also applies to designs, which, once the design phase has been finished, cannot have any changes made to them. In the event that this is nonetheless required (which does occur on occasion), the leader of the project should make certain that the modifications are discussed with those who are involved (especially the decision-makers or customers) as soon as is practically possible. In order to avoid confusion at a later time, it is essential that the changes that have been decided upon be meticulously documented.

Why is the SDLC important?

  • It offers a standardized structure that outlines the activities and deliverables to be completed.
  • It is helpful in project planning, cost estimation, and time management.
  • It makes project tracking and control easier
  • It raises the visibility of the entire life cycle to all of the stakeholders involved in the development process.
  • It quickens the rate at which development occurs.
  • It makes for better relations with customers.
  • It lowers the risks involved in the project.
  • It lowers the overall cost of production as well as the expenses associated with project management.

The future of the SDLC

Many businesses are abandoning traditional SDLC methodologies in favour of newer, more agile development life cycles (waterfall, for example). Because of the rising value put on rapidity and flexibility, automation has played an essential role in the software development process.

The boundaries between different teams have been slowly dissolving in favor of a streamlined and synchronized approach to development, which has resulted in the development process being merged into a capability known as DevOps, which stands for “development and operations.” DevOps is a combination of philosophies and practices that has emerged as a newer approach to the SDLC. It increases an organization’s capacity to deliver applications in a more timely manner. Consideration of the part that security plays must also be given when the software development life cycle (SDLC) methods are moving more toward a DevOps SDLC.

Security is now being viewed as a critical component throughout the SDLC. In the past, security was treated as a separate and compartmentalized step in the software development life cycle (SDLC). In the years to come, businesses will, without a doubt, adopt not only a DevOps approach to their SDLC, but also a more evolved DevOps methodology, in which security is baked into the entirety of the SDLC. To guarantee the success of the newly deployed contemporary software development model, a company must make smart tool selections to support and enhance this endeavor. Synopsys, a pioneer in the field of application security, offers an extensive set of solutions and services that are ideal for this purpose.

Conclusion

Every piece of software starts out as an idea, then moves through a series of phases on its way to becoming a release that can be developed and distributed. An application or system will continue to go through its software development life cycle, which includes the addition of updates and new features, until the day that it is decommissioned or replaced. Over the course of several decades, a variety of approaches to the development of software have emerged. Even though Agile is gaining ground at a rapid pace, waterfall methods are still widely used. Use the appropriate equipment for the task, whichever approach you decide to go with. Without them, it is difficult to deliver software in a reliable manner. Even though there is no “perfect” method, it is much more beneficial to use some method rather than none at all.

References

  1. https://www.betsol.com/blog/7-stages-of-sdlc-how-to-keep-development-teams-running/
  2. https://www.synopsys.com/glossary/what-is-sdlc.html#:~:text=Definition,all%20customer%20expectations%20and%20demands.
  3. https://www.reksoft.com/services/design-and-development/processes-implementation/
  4. https://www2a.cdc.gov/cdcup/library/pmg/implementation/default.htm
  5. https://www.projectmanagement-training.net/implementation-phase/
  6. https://raygun.com/blog/software-development-life-cycle/