Identification Of Specific System Objectives

Once the constraints are spelled out, the analyst proceeds to identity the system's specific performance objectives. They are derived from the general objectives specified in the project directive at the end of the initial investigation. The steps are to state the system's benefits and then translate them into measurable objectives. In our scenario, the candidate systems anticipated benefits are as follows:

1. Improved collection schedule.
2. Cost reduction.
3. Physical space reduction.
4. Improved customer service

Each benefit is analyzed and translated into measurable objectives.

1. Collection is improved by billing 30 days in advance of the box renewal date, and one more notice is sent within two weeks. It also improves the accounts receivables payment "float."
2. Cost reduction is realized by reducing the payroll by two employees.
The new online billing system requires less than two hours of labor per day, compared with six hours under the current system.
3. Physical space requirements are reduced by placing the microcomputer in the place of one of the four existing desks. The remaining desks are removed, allowing an extra cubicle for customer use.
4. Customer service is improved by placing master cards and box rental information online, thus educing the waiting time of entry from minutes to 30 seconds.

These objectives are effective in comparing the performance of the candidate system with that of the current system. The information-oriented flowchart, input/output analysis sheet, and data flow diagram (see Chapter 4) produced in the initial investigation lead to the conclusions that (1) the current system is inefficient and (2) a new online, terminal-oriented system would be the solution. This conclusion was reflected in the general project directive submitted to the user for approval. This information is used as a basis for preparing specific objectives for the candidate system:

1. To establish a billing system with six five-day eye! 's per month.
2. To mail customers no later than the close of the billing cycle and no later than 25 days prior to the box renewal date.
3. To mail customers a reminder two weeks after the initial statement for box renewal.
4. To speed collections and reduce the "float" by 40 percent.
5. To examine the availability of boxes by size, rental fees, and location.
6. To examine the availability of boxes by size, rental fees, and location.
7. To produce periodic reports to management on the performance of the safe deposit department.