System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (10 marks)

P & Ls Manufacturing has an old barcode based inventory tracking system in its warehouse. To close the books each month on a timely basis, the six (6) people who work in the warehouse must scan each item in a 36-hour period while still performing their normal duties. During certain months, when inventory expands to meet seasonal demands, the scan takes as many as 30 hours to complete. In addition, the scanners do not accurately record some inventory items that require low operating temperatures.

A recent audit brought to managements attention that the inventory records are not always accurate. An appropriate new scanning system can be bought off the shelf and leased and is affordable for the organisation. The purchase of this system will include implementation costs and employee training, for both operational employees and IT staff. The contractor can meet scheduling requirements from P & L. This system will automate many aspects of the old system, hence minimising errors in the inventory system.

Required

a. As an employee of P & L, you have been approached by James Maguire (Chief Executive Officer) to compile a business memo outlining how they should proceed in the systems analysis phase of the SDLC. Consider the issues P & L are experiencing and ascertain the types of information they would need to gather at each step. (5 marks)

b. Discuss three (3) ways organisations benefit from following the SDLC when implementing a new system. (3 marks)

c. On analysis of the above scenario, identify and discuss the two (2) aspects of feasibility P & Ls failed to consider prior to installing the inventory tracking system. (2 marks)