One of the major issues when moving to a new computer system is the task of moving data from the old system; this is where the planning of the implementation is so important. This task can be daunting and should not be underestimated.

The method of implementation will be agreed between the purchasing company and

Dart-Digital to ensure that there is a common understanding of the requirements and the most efficient method of achieving the aims. The minimum loss of production must also be taken into consideration.

Once the decision to purchase has been made there are a number of possible approaches to changing over from the old system to the new. There are three main approaches:

• The Immediate Approach
• The Parallel Approach
• The Phased Approach

The Immediate Approach is a complete changeover at a given point in time. This is the quickest route to take but is considered a high risk approach.

The Parallel Approach involves running the old and the new system side by side for a given time. By using this method you are able to compare results from both systems. The expectation is that the new system gives the correct answers and is more efficient thus resulting in confidence in the new system and the ability to drop the old system. The major problem with this method is finding the resources to input and do the comparisons.

The Phased Approach can be organised in a variety of ways but the underlying theme is the new system is systematically tested over a period of time. This method can be by department, by product or by software modules. As each element of the phasing achieves success and acceptance, then the element goes live. This approach is reckoned to be the most risk free and economic but each company's needs should be looked at in isolation.

The opportunity can be taken when moving to a new system to rationalise the workflow and the working practices. The company should also look at the quality of data on the old system and, with the assistance of Dart-Digital, make a decision on the best way of introducing the data to a new system. A greater level of confidence in the new system will be achieved by introducing clean data into the system and this should be taken into consideration

Dart-Digital will appoint a project manager to see the new system into production from the planning stage through to sign-off off the new system.