What is meant by "Running Parallel Systems"?

[majorbroncosfan]

I have a client who is currently entering data into an Excel spreadsheet, but who wants to begin entering it into an Access database via a VB interface. I'm used to creating systems for people, but am confused on the process of running parallel systems. Is this to mean that the user would need to continue entering data into the Excel spreadsheet as well as entering data into the Access database at the same time? They are complaining that this would be twice the work and don't necessarily want to do this.

 

[strongm]

When a new system is being delivered to replace on old system it is often run in parallel with that old system for a time. There are generally two main reasons for this:

1) To ensure that the output generated by the new system matches that of the old system.

2) If the new system fails to work acceptably in a live environment (maybe it is a financial system that breaks when asked to do month end) the client can revert to the old system secure in the knowledge that there is no missing data.

Once the client is satisfied that the new system works acceptably, the old system can be phased out.

Yes, it is more work whilst the systems are run in parallel, but it gives the client a fall-back position.

 

[MichaelRed]

Yes, ... it is (should) not be necessary to do double data entry.

Make sure the data in excel is correctly formatted/set up. Link to the spread sheet(s) as your data files. Run the Ms. Access app using the excel data.

WHEN the powers that be acceptt the Ms. Access App, append the Excel spreadsheet(s) to the corresponding Ms. Access tables. Remove the links. Run on the Ms. Access App.

MichaelRed
mred@att.net

There is never time to do it right but there is always time to do it over