The systems development life cycle is a series of well-defined phases performed in sequence that serves as a framework for developing a system or project. The planning phase is one of the most crucial phases of the SDLC model. The systems designer must define the problem the organization faces, taking care not to define symptoms rather than the underlying problem. The problem can be identified internally or externally. An example of an internally identified problem would be management voicing concern about the organization’s lack of a competitive edge in the market-place. An example of an externally identified problem would be suppliers noting inefficiency in the inventory control procedure.
To ensure an information system’s success, users must have input in the planning, requirements-gathering and analysis, design, and implementation phases. For this reason, a task force is formed, consisting of representatives from different departments (including IT), systems analysts, technical advisors, and top management. This team collects user feedback and works toward getting users involved from the beginning. The system designers and analysts should explain the goals and benefits of the new system so the task force knows what to look for in user input. Generally, an information system has two groups of users from whom the task force should gather feed-back: internal and external.
Internal users are employees who will use the system regularly, and they can offer important feedback on the system’s strengths and weaknesses. External users are not employees but do use the system; they include customers, contractors, suppliers, and other business partners. Although external users are not normally part of the task force, their input is essential.
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