How do you assess the technical feasibility of a new system?

Systems analysis is the process of examining a problem or opportunity and designing a solution that meets the needs and requirements of the stakeholders. One of the key steps in systems analysis is to assess the technical feasibility of a new system, which means evaluating whether the system can be built and maintained with the available resources, skills, and technology. In this article, you will learn how to conduct a technical feasibility analysis using four main criteria: technical resources, technical skills, technical compatibility, and technical risks.

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1 Technical resources

The first criterion to consider is the technical resources that are needed to develop, test, and deploy the new system. This includes hardware, software, network, and infrastructure components that support the system's functionality and performance. You should identify the current and future resource requirements and compare them with the existing and planned resource availability. You should also estimate the costs and benefits of acquiring, upgrading, or replacing the technical resources and how they affect the project budget and timeline.

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2 Technical skills

The second criterion to consider is the technical skills that are required to design, implement, and maintain the new system. This includes the knowledge, experience, and expertise of the project team and the end users who will use the system. You should assess the current and future skill levels and gaps and determine how to bridge them through training, hiring, outsourcing, or partnering. You should also evaluate the availability and accessibility of the technical skills and how they affect the project scope and quality.

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3 Technical compatibility

The third criterion to consider is the technical compatibility of the new system with the existing or planned systems, standards, and regulations. This includes the interoperability, integration, and compliance of the system's data, processes, and interfaces with the internal and external environment. You should analyze the current and future compatibility issues and challenges and how to resolve them through adaptation, conversion, or migration. You should also consider the impact of the technical compatibility on the system's usability, reliability, and security.

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4 Technical risks

The fourth criterion to consider is the technical risks that are associated with the new system. This includes the potential problems, threats, and uncertainties that may affect the system's development, operation, and maintenance. You should identify the sources and consequences of the technical risks and how to mitigate them through prevention, detection, or recovery. You should also estimate the likelihood and severity of the technical risks and how they affect the project objectives and outcomes.

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