4.+Implementing

__**Implementing **__ (H6.1, H7.1) **Explanation of the method of conversion to be used when implementing the new system into the online store: **

The implementation phase involves developing the solution, installing and testing the solution within the environment, training the users and the system conversion. Implementing the online database requires the transference of information between the old system and the new system. The method of conversion must be carefully and properly planned and executed to prevent errors occurring throughout this transference. The conversion method chosen for the implementation of Mr. Music's "Music Online" store is pilot conversion as it suits the nature of work and characteristics of his company.

In the scenario, Mr. Music has been losing customers due to unorganised means of music storage and therefore cannot afford to experience any more losses from a systems error. This eliminates the method of direct conversion as there is a possibility that the participants do not understand the new system or there are unresolved issued with the system itself, meaning that the new system does not operate correctly. This would add to the expenses of the business.

Mr. Music, being a business man, wants to keep the conversion costs relatively low, and parallel and phased conversions would be too costly to implement. Parallel conversion requires the two systems to work together simultaneously before the old system is discontinued. This will add to the workload of the participants and may cause confusion. Phased conversion on the other hand is time consuming as there is no guarantee that certain operations will work or be completed. Additional costs in trying to fix the operations will increase the overall cost of conversion.

Pilot conversion in comparison to the other methods, trials a small portion of the organisation with the new system. The purpose of it is to see if it will work within the boundaries of the company. If errors occur, it does not affect the entire system and the errors can be corrected at a smaller cost as only a portion of the company is being trialled. Pilot conversion also allows the personalisation of certain activities that dictate the nature of the surrounding system to occur. For example, within the old system, a specific genre of music or artist can be chosen to base the pilot conversion method on. Every time a customer wants to find music from that genre or artist, the conversion method is being tested. Every time the conversion method is tested, new areas of the system are explored and system errors can be found before the new system is implemented to the entire company.