System changeover is the process of replacing old system with the new system. Changeover can be rapid or slow, depending on the method. There are four changeover methods;
- Direct Cutover
- Parallel Operation
- Pilot Operation
- Phased Operation
- Direct cutover: This approach causes the changeover from the old system to the new system.
Benefits: Direct cutover method is the least expensive changeover method because the IT group has to operate and maintain only one system at a time.
Problems: Direct cutover method involves more risks than other changeover methods. Regardless of how thoroughly and carefully conduct testing and training, problems and difficulties can arise when the system goes into operation. Especially a system for a Health Centre is critical. Detecting minor errors also is more difficult with direct cutover because cannot verify current output by comparing it to the old system as well as live data typically occurs in much larger volumes than test data. In a Health Centre, system process can’t be abnormal and in direct changeover we cannot revert to the old system as a backup option.
Therefore direct changeover is not recommended for the Health Centre.
- Parallel Operation: In Parallel operation changeover method both new and old information systems operate fully for a specified period. Data is input to the both new and old systems, output generated by both systems is compared with the old system. When users, management, and the IT group are satisfied that the new system operates correctly, the old system is terminated.
Benefits: Parallel operation has lower risk. It keeps both old and new system simultaneously. If the new system does not work correctly, the company can use the old system as a backup. In this method easier to verify that the new system is working properly or not. Both the systems is compared and verified during parallel operation. It is very useful in critical systems at Health Centres.
Problems: The main problem with parallel changeover method is very expensive. Because both old and new systems are in full operation, the Health Centre pays for both systems and company might need temporary employees to handle extra work load.
- Pilot Operation: Pilot operation changeover method implements the complete new system at a selected location of the company. During pilot operation, the old system continues to operate for the whole company, including pilot site. If the pilot site successful, then the remaining part of company uses direct changeover method. Therefore, pilot operation is combination parallel operation and direct cutover methods.
Benefits: Pilot operation reduces the risk of system failure compared with direct cutover method. Operating both systems for only the pilot site is less expensive than a parallel operation for the entire Health Centre. Changeover period can be much shorter if the system proves successful at the pilot site.
Problems: Pilot operation is a slow approach as compared to other methods.
- Phased Operation: Phased operation changeover method allows implementing the new system in stages or modules. We can implement each subsystem by using other changeover methods.
Benefits: Benefits of the phased operation is the risk of errors or failures is limited to the implemented module only. It is less expensive than full parallel operation because it has to work only with one part of the system at a time.
Problems: It is step by step implementation; therefore changeover period can be longer than other methods.
Finally, above benefits and problems can occur when Health centre change from manual system into new computerized system. I recommend as Phased operation can be used for the Health Centre because it is reliable and risks of failures are limited as Health centre system is critical.
