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6.4 RUN SYSTEM IN PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT
Schedule production runs for the new system. Perform all daily activities necessary to operate the system, including monitoring the system's performance to ensure adequate response time, system security, and problem-free operation. Take actions to correct any problems uncovered during system monitoring. Include the following activities:
- 6.4.1 Schedule Production Runs
- 6.4.2 Monitor System Performance
- 6.4.3 Ensure System Is Responsive to Users
- 6.4.4 Ensure System Is Consistently Available
- 6.4.5 Report Discrepancies for Problem Resolution
- 6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements
- 6.4.7 Upgrade System as Required
- 6.4.8 Ensure Security of Environment
- 6.4.9 Revise Resource Plan
- 6.4.10 Close the Development Project
Table 6-6 lists personnel roles and responsibilities for establishing a
production environment.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.1 Schedule Production Runs
Schedule and execute the new system's runs in a production environment, and
carry out all production personnel responsibilities in accordance with the
requirements described in the Operations Manual. Ensure that records produced
by the system are retained in the project library.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.2 Monitor System Performance
Monitor the daily operation of the system to ensure the following:
- Capacity of the platform is not exceeded.
- System is operating with sufficient response time.
- Sufficient transaction throughput occurs.
- Downtime is monitored (mean time between failures [MTBF] and mean time to failure [MTTF]).
- System is operating
efficiently.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.3 Ensure System Is Responsive to Users
Perform periodic reviews to assess responsiveness of the system. Address all facets of the system, including response time and throughput, user satisfaction with functional and data requirements, technical performance, and system management. Document recommendations to ensure that the system continues to respond adequately to users' needs.
Conduct Review of System
Schedule and conduct periodic surveys of the system's users to determine their level of satisfaction with the current operation.
Identify Any New Requirements
Describe any new requirements that may be imposed on the system. Ensure that the description is of sufficient detail to enable maintenance programmers to make the necessary modifications.
Formulate Recommendations
Provide recommendations for updating the system to meet the new requirements or improve performance. Ensure that recommendations for change include changes to system documentation and to software and hardware.
Document Findings
Describe the recommended changes by providing as much detail as is available
for developers to act on the recommendations. Document these recommendations and
adhere to the applicable SBA standards and guidelines.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.4 Ensure System Is Consistently Available
While the system is operational, ensure that all functions of the system are available to all users, as required, and that the users are interfacing with an error-free system. Measure availability based on the percentage of total time that the system is available to users.
Schedule for Maximum Use of System Resources
Ensure that operations personnel are aware of the user's requirements and that the operations schedule allows the user access to the system when needed. Schedule all activities that may result in an interruption of service to the user (e.g., system backup and updates) during the hours that will have the least impact on the user's needs.
Reduce Downtime for Performing Maintenance
Although periodic maintenance is required to keep the system responsive to
the user's needs, perform such maintenance in a manner that will reduce the
amount of time the system will be down. This may mean consolidating system
updates so that they can be performed at one time, thus reducing the number of
times the system needs to be brought down, or performing maintenance during off
hours when the user has no need for the system.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.5 Report Discrepancies for Problem Resolution
If system monitoring reveals areas of performance that need improvement,
take the necessary steps to restore system performance to acceptable levels.
Use the Problem Tracking and Reporting System (PTARS), which provides IT a
centrally located repository for logging computer-related requests and problems
and provides a facility to track completion of problem resolution. Describe the
problem, on a PTAR form, in as much detail as possible based on information
received during system monitoring. Provide as much information as possible to
assist in resolving the problem.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements
Periodically assess the system to determine potential modifications and enhancements. Use findings and recommendations presented to management from the post-implementation review as input for the assessment. During these assessments, target the following areas:
- Parts of the system that did not meet user expectations or instances in which the implementation of a requirement is inefficient
- Parts of the system that do not function according to specifications
- Potential scheduling or process improvements
- Functions requested by the
users as their familiarity with the system increases
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
6.4.7 Upgrade System as Required
Release upgrades of the system software and hardware into the production environment, when required, to ensure that the system remains responsive to the user's needs. Such upgrades may incorporate improved or additional functions or data, updated system hardware, increased capacity, or improved system performance.
Perform Software Releases and Obtain Release Approval
Perform software releases in accordance with SBA standards and guidelines. Forward all release requests to SBA operations for approval before software is released into production. SBA operations verifies completion of appropriate testing, appropriate user notification, and necessary documentation to support the release. SBA Operations then verifies that all necessary preparations for releasing the software and supporting the software in production have been satisfactorily completed and that the release schedule does not conflict with any other data center activities or processing.
Upgrade Hardware in Accordance With Operations Procedures
Perform periodic monitoring to determine if an upgrade or replacement of
hardware is required. If a determination is made to replace or upgrade
hardware, develop a plan detailing the type of upgrade, the impact on the
system, and the date on which the upgrade is required. Before the actual
upgrade, Operations must approve the upgrade plan. Perform all hardware
upgrades or replacements in accordance with Operations procedures.
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6.4.6 Determine Potential System Modifications and Enhancements |
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