Robert W.

Ramirez
BSA/375
Service Request SR-rm-022
Michael James
March 7, 2015

SERVICE REQUEST SR-rm-022

Riordan Manufacturing is an international plastics manufacturer that at this time

employs 550 individuals with anticipated yearly profits equaling roughly $46 million.
The business is totally maintained by Riordan Industries which is a Fortune 1000
company with profits of up to $1 billion. The firms goods are made up of plastic
drink bottles that are manufactured at its factory in Pontiac, Michigan; routine
plastic pieces are mass-manufactured at its factory in Hangzhou, China; and plastic
fan segments are made at its plants in Albany, Georgia ("Riordan Manufacturing",
2013).

Hugh McCauley, COO of Riordan Manufacturing, wants to combine the present

variation of equipment in use into a particular incorporated function. I have received
a request from Hugh McCauley to develop an approach to replace the present HRIS.
The current practice was created in 1992 ("HRIS", 2013). With a new and improved
system, Riordan will be able to become much more efficient, save time, and most
importantly, save money.

An improved human resource organization practice can increase the business. Be in

harmony with the Service Request SR-rm-022, Riordan ideas to put into position
several of the current HR tools into one combined request so the business is able to
profit from a more sophisticated material method within the Human Resource
Department.

Main issues that will assist make sure that the material needed for this task is
collected effectively will be identified in the following paper, and a detailed project
plan will be created. This plan will offer a record off all jobs, sources, and a schedule
and financial plan required to finish the plan.

Current Technique

The businesss HRIS practice was set up in 1992. The issue is a function of the
business procedures bundle and retains trace of the charting workers data;
individual data, pay rate, exemptions, hire date, seniority date, and vacation hours.
Transformation to this data is presented in script (on unique outlines) by the
workers boss and is recorded into the technique by the personnel accounts clerk.
Teaching and education files are kept in a Microsoft Excel worksheet by the teaching
and education expert. All recruiters support candidate data for exposed spots.
Rsums are stored in a main storage area, and a Microsoft Excel worksheet is
managed to follow the position of candidates. Employees benefits are controlled by
a third-party supplier, which retains its personal files. The members of staff records
are kept by personal bosses; there is no main staff record space. Bosses are also
accountable for tracing FMLA time off and any wishes for modification adjustments
comparable to the ADA. The benefit supervisor keeps a Microsoft Excel worksheet
with the outcome of occupation studies, income reviews and personal
reimbursement conclusions. Worker involvement experts trace material about

grievances, injustices, harassment grievances, etc. in locked accounts in their

workplace ("Hris", 2013).

Material-Collecting Procedures and Design Methods

Meetings will be the original method of material collecting that will be used.
Meetings and analysis documents are a very helpful way to collect material. Among
the consumers thoughts, individual familiarities, job linked thoughts, and how they
currently use the system will provide great feedback for the future use of the
system. A worksheet will be arranged previous to any meetings. It is valuable to
arrange with a meeting leader so that examiner recognizes what method to ask
questions, and the amount of time that should be spent on each area of the
interview. This will also keep the interview on track and flowing well, and also make
sure nothing important gets left out of the interview.

When developing a project of this nature it is important to gather information from

various sources to ensure the project will reach its desired function. During the
information gathering period, I will be meeting with key management personnel, IT
staff, and users to get different inputs. Through these meetings, I will be allowed to
ask and answer questions as well as invite comments and acknowledge concerns
and ideas from every angle. By creating this open dialog, which will last through the
duration of the project, I will be able to better understand what the company needs
to improve the quality of its employees jobs.

The design method that would be used for Riordan Manufacturing would involve the
use of Joint Application Development (JAD). Participants in this methodology would
include users, managers, sponsors, programmers, and systems analysts. By
involving everyone in the program, we can obtain the most vital information on
what is needed to improve the current process for Riordan.

Business Requirements for an HR System

Riordan Manufacturing is a large company with facilities in several locations around

the world. As a result of its size, Riordan must have a system that is able to keep
track of important information such as employee names and other confidential data.
This information should be able to be accessed from other locations as well as the
home office. There are other functions that a new and improved HR system could
benefit such as inventory tracking or the shipping or reception of products. These
requirements legitimize the need and request for a new system implementation for
Riordan Manufacturing. When dealing such a huge amount in sales, if a new system
can become even 10% more efficient, the cost savings can be in the millions.

Scope and Feasibility

Project scope defines the goals of the project and the budget of both time and
money that has been allocated to achieve the objectives. For the best results to be
achieved, both the definition and the allocated budget must be precise and
detailed. A good process scope document will define specifically the tasks to be
completed. The project scope is important because it will define the specific date for
which the deliverables will be due and list the allocated budget for them. The
project scope will also list specific items not part of the project scope and are
excluded from the work to be delivered.

Project feasibility is examined during the systems analysis and requirements

definition phase of the SCLC. This phase involves the setting of specific project
goals, which defines the functions and operations, to be included in the project to
achieve completion of the project. The project goals should be based on the analysis
of the stakeholders information needs ("System Development Life Cycle", 2012).

Conclusion

Before the plan can be put implemented, it must receive formal approval by Hugh
McCauley of Riordan Manufacturing. The plan that I have described will allow the
company to integrate all of its facilities into one single application and also improve
the overall efficiency of its human resources department. This completion date is
well below the six month deadline given by Mr. McCauley.
Architecture Application and Design Process

The architecture application shows the arrangement of the application

implementation, which commonly includes partitioned application logic and
deployment to server engines (Gartner, 2013). The application architecture can be
tailored to any business. Riordan Manufacturing must describe the objectives before
choosing and designing their system.

When the goals have been identified then the design development can start. With
the equipment needs, implementation requirements, and workflow clearly
understood these are described in more detail in order to design the appropriate
system. The designing itself is accomplished after many interviews in order to
capture the real needs, by using flowcharts, scale displays, and even some practice
simulation software (Dennis, Wixom, & Ruth, 2012).

A client server architecture services would be beneficial for Riordan being that this
nonfunctional option could have more profits when using a client and user based
server. There are four main advantages for a user based server; scalableness,
adaptability, reliable linking of computers and parting of reason:

a) Scalableness regulates storing and managing inside the server.

b) Adaptability is the capability to reinforce altered user based client servers. The
server can additionally part logics with no altering of any other data.

c) Reliable networking permits the server to uphold the system in case of any
oversights or function failures.

d) Parting of logic allows reasoning.

Security controls

Security in a companys information system is in todays market the number one

priority. In order to save Riordan Manufacturing from external malicious and strange
activities the system requires security procedures and controls put into place. The
job is given to the process group, they are full of people that are skilled in the
computer technology and IT field.

The information and records belonging to Riordan Manufacturing is confidential,

these include to name a few but are not limited to:

1) Employee information

2) Customer information

3) Company financials

4) Government information

5) And other vital information

It is important for Riordan Manufacturing to have all of its data encrypted and stored
with the highest level of security. This information contains copyrighted material
that it is exclusive to Riordan Manufacturing and if it falls in the wrong hands can
result in litigations, law suits by its customers and even heavy penalties by the
government. One small incident can result in the company losing money because of
negligence, these are all reasons for security controls.

Outsourcing to third-party vendors as discussed earlier can save Riordan

Manufacturing money, time and labor, by using application processes already
created and just by tailoring them to the companys operation. The vendors are
liable for any security breach so this makes the process safe and should help
protect Riordan in case of any wrong doing (Valacich, George, & Hoffer, 2012).

The system security include a feature that enables the right users with the right
credentials to access information that is associated with the user job description or
pay grade. If an individual tries to access unauthorized information for any reason, a
security alert is sent to the IT security department for further investigation. This
section will prevent any type of security threat whether it be internal or external
trying to gain entry for malicious purposes.

Another way to protect Riordan Manufacturing is securing its network with the use
of a (VLAN) Virtual Local Area Network. The network is maintained by the system
administrator and this is the only one person allowed to change anything on the
network or its hardware. User will only be able to run their tasks that are associated
with their clearance. In order to obtain access they must enter the credentials for
validation keeping the system secure.

Interface design

Users have become familiar with interface elements behaving a certain way, being
consistent will help task completion efficiency and familiarity. Understanding
Riordan Manufacturings needs like their skills set and preferences are a huge help
in the interface design. Keeping in mind:

a) Simplicity

b) Consistency and common elements

c) Creating clarity and hierarchy

d) The communication between the system and the user

e) The layout, color and texture

Implementation

The new information technology system has been through the analysis and design
phase, it is time to move into the implementation final phase of the SDLC process.
The implementation portion of this project is where the system is put into a working
environment. During implementation and operation, physical design specifications
must be turned into working computer code (Joseph, 2012, P. 319). This includes
pulling all of the moving parts together in order to get the system into a run state.
The new information technology system will be rolled out slowly in order to
demonstrate to Riordans Human Resources Department how it works. The main
focus here is to not interrupt the business during the rollout of the new product. We
will be conscious of this concern and will devise a plan in order to attain that goal. In

this section of the presentation, I will outline in detail all aspects of the
implementation phase including coding, testing, installation, documentation,
training, and support.

Coding

Coding is the section of the implementation portion of the project where developers
create the programs that make up the system. These programs will address all of
the business issues identified by the stakeholders during the analysis phase of the
SDLC process. The developers will produce programs to make the Human Resources
employees jobs easier on a day to day basis, including accessing employee
information, where and how to store that information and where is the information
going to be stored. The scope of this project, identified the areas that needed to be
addressed, and these programs will solve those issues in the most efficient way
possible.

Testing

Even though testing takes place throughout the SDLC process, now is the most
critical time for testing just before go live. According to"The Benefits Of Testing
Software By Project Phase"(2014), Generally software testing is relegated to one
phase of the software development life cycle (Para. 2). The developers and quality

assurance areas of the IT team will test every program for errors and functionality.
Users of the Human Resources area will test for scenarios with live data.

Just as important as testing, yielding the results of testing is just as important. It is

important for developers to work behind the scenes to find and correct any errors
identified with testing. It is also crucial for the systems analyst to work closely with
the users and be the middle person between the user community and the
developers. This will ensure that all areas of concern are addressed in the most
efficient way possible. No software package is perfect, and this one is no exception.
Testing if done properly will make the transition to the new system as flawless as
possible

The developers will load the new system onto a few select computers during testing
to check for functionality and performance. This will gauge the time required to
install the system on all computers in the Human Resources are identified for the
upgrade and the network performance. Network performance is a critical part of this
process. Even though, the network has nothing to do with the programs
functionality, if it does not perform well, it can derail the project and frustrate users
and the business. Testing is also work in progress, knowing that when problems
arise, they can be fixed in a minimum amount of time.

User testing will be performed as well as a beta test. The beta test will be performed
with live data, further enhancing the testing process to identify errors. Finally, an

acceptance test is performed, and this is where developers and stakeholders sign
off on their testing with an approval to proceed to installation.

Installation

Now that testing is complete, the next step in the SDLC process is the Installation of
the new system. During this stage of the project, the new software will be installed
onto every computer in Riordans Human Resource Department. This installation will
take place after hours per managements request not to interrupt or impact the
business.

Installation of the software is the actual go live of the new system. It will now be
part of the daily routines performed by the human resource employees. Even
though, the system has been tested thoroughly, errors can still be uncovered. It is
crucial during this process for the systems analyst to work closely with the users
and the developers to put out any fires as quickly as possible. All applications
should be checked for accuracy and functionality. The system should have a positive
impact with the users on performance alone. That said, it will take a period of three
to six months to tune the system for final approval

The employees will be trained to use the new system properly during installation
and the application software that has been installed. Testing and installation is

where users and developers can get a first look at all of the work that has gone into
this project. The new systems identity is established during installation, and now it
is a part of the daily routine of the human resource department.

Documentation

Although the process of documentation proceeds throughout this project, it receives

special attention now. Documentation includes a formal written document including
all of the pieces of information that users will need to know. This includes key
elements of the software, as well as functionality and how to use the software.
Troubleshooting will be outlined in the documentation and any other piece of
information deemed necessary for the end user to do their job.

Training

In this instance, each user of the system will be properly trained by the
programmers on how to use the new system, how to use the application software,
and they will be trained on how to apply the system to their daily workload. Proper
training will ensure the users can get off the ground running on day one using the
new system. This will also help the Human Resources Department to get better use
of the system and how to enhance the system going forward.

Support

Support is ongoing and will be provided by the developers along with the systems
analyst should a problem arise with the application software or the new system
itself. Support includes over the phone and face to face if need be on should a
problem be identified on the system. Initially, support will require a significant
amount of time, over time, however, that time will diminish greatly as users become
more familiar with the new system. The developers will also provide services such
as updates, diagnostics and correct any errors that may occur.

Benefits

The benefits of using these defined and repeatable processes to accomplish the
implementation stage are the company will get the best use of the new software.
They will learn how to use the system in order to perform the functions of their jobs
as well as how the system can better certain aspects of their duties. According to
"Implementation Phase"(n.d.), During the implementation phase, the automated
system/application or other IT solution is moved from development status to
production status (Implementation Phase). The system should perform up to and
exceed expectations of Riordans Human Resource Department. The overall
performance of the system will enhance their ability to perform more efficient than
in the past. The steps outlined in the implementation process provides a blueprint to
follow in keeping the project on time and budget.

Riordan Manufacturings Human Resource Department will benefit greatly from the
new software by speeding up processes, make their jobs easier, saving time and
money, yielding better results, and taking advantage of a state of the art more
sophisticated information technology system.

References:

HRIS. (2013). Retrieved from

https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Riordan/HR/HRIS.asp

Riordan Manufacturing. (2013). Retrieved from

https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Business/Riordan/index.asp
Dennis, A., Wixom, B. H., & Ruth, R. M. (2012). Systems Analysis and Design (5th
ed.)

Gartner. (2013). Retrieved from gartner.com: http://www.gartner.com/itglossary/application-architecture-aa

Valacich, J. S., George, J. F., & Hoffer, J. A. (2012). Essentials of Systems analysis and
design

(5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education

Joseph, S. Valacich. (2012). Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design. Retrieved
from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

The benefits of testing software by project phase. (2014). Retrieved from

http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/tip/The-benefits-of-testing-software-byproject-phase

Implementation Phase. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www2.cdc.gov/cdcup/library/pmg/implementation/