Information System Conversion in SMEs

Information system conversion has been with us since users of punched-card tabulating systems first moved to vacuum-tube computers. However, it is often seen as an after thought: once the “interesting” work of analysis, design and so on is done, it will some how happen. This chapter attempts to view the process holistically, from both the tech nical and human viewpoints, reflecting the fact that information systems have both tech nical and human components. It shows how ignoring one side or the other can lead to problems, which can be avoided if all aspects are considered together. It proposes a sys tematic approach to considering these issues and points out benefits of using it.