After implementation comes systems

After implementation comes systems maintenance, the last step in the systems
life cycle. This phase is a very important, ongoing activity. Most organizations
spend more time and money on this phase than on any of the others.
Maintenance has two parts: a systems audit and a periodic evaluation. (See
Figure 13-19 .)
In the systems audit, the system’s performance is compared to the original
design specifications. This is to determine whether the new procedures
are actually furthering productivity. If they are not, some redesign may be
necessary.
After the systems audit, the new information system is further modified,
if necessary. All systems should be evaluated from time to time to determine
whether they are meeting the goals and providing the service they are supposed
to.
The six-step systems life cycle is summarized in Figure 13-20 .