Discuss in detail the six main reasons for systems requests, including examples where appropriate.?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The six main reasons for systems requests are stronger controls, reduced cost, more information, better performance, improved service to customers, and more support for new products and services.?Stronger controls:A system must have effective controls to ensure that data is secure and accurate. Some common security controls include passwords, various levels of user access, and encryption, or coding of data to keep it safe from unauthorized users. Hardware-based security controls include biometric devices that can identify a person by a retina scan or by mapping a fingerprint pattern. The technology uses infrared scanners that create images with thousands of measurements of hand and finger characteristics. In addition to being secure, data also must be accurate. Controls should minimize data entry errors whenever possible. For example, if a user enters an invalid customer number, the order processing system should reject the entry immediately and prompt the user to enter a valid number. Data entry controls must be effective without being excessive. If a system requires users to confirm every item with an "Are you sure? Y/N" message, internal users and customers might complain that the system is not user-friendly.?Reduced cost:The current system could be expensive to operate or maintain as a result of technical problems, design weaknesses, or the changing demands of a business. It might be possible to adapt the system to newer technology or upgrade it. On the other hand, cost-benefit analysis might show that a new system would be more cost effective and provide better support for long-term objectives.?More information:A system might produce information that is insufficient, incomplete, or unable to support the company's changing information needs. For example, a system that tracks customer orders might not be capable of analyzing and predicting marketing trends. In the face of intense competition and rapid product development cycles, managers need the best possible information to make major decisions on planning, designing, and marketing new products and services.?Better performance:The current system might not meet performance requirements. For example, it might respond slowly to data inquiries at certain times, or it might be unable to support company growth. Performance limitations also result when a system that was designed for a specific hardware configuration becomes obsolete when new hardware is introduced.?Improved service:Systems requests often are aimed at improving service to customers or users within a company. For instance, allowing mutual fund investors to check their account balances on a website, storing data on rental car customer preferences, or creating an online college registration system are all examples of providing valuable services and increased customer satisfaction.?More support for new products and services:New products and services often require new types or levels of IT support. For example, a software vendor might offer an automatic upgrade service for subscribers, or a package delivery company might add a special service for radio frequency identification (RFID)-tagged shipments. In situations like these, it is most likely that additional IT support will be required. At the other end of the spectrum, product obsolescence can also be an important factor in IT planning. As new products enter the marketplace, vendors often announce that they will no longer provide support for older versions. A lack of vendor support would be an important consideration in deciding whether or not to upgrade.?