Notification and Documentation
The modifications that are implemented in the previous section may affect
MICS Complex
operation, or the visible output of MICS
database units, or both. Often a modification may involve adding some data element to the MICS
database as a response to a user request. Users may begin to use the data element when the modification has been integrated. Occasionally, a modification may affect the record selection algorithm to such a degree that modifications in input preparation procedures must be made.rm
The modifications that are implemented in the previous section may affect
MICS Complex
operation, or the visible output of MICS
database units, or both. Often a modification may involve adding some data element to the MICS
database as a response to a user request. Users may begin to use the data element when the modification has been integrated. Occasionally, a modification may affect the record selection algorithm to such a degree that modifications in input preparation procedures must be made.Either of these cases requires some communication on the part of the
MICS
System Administrator to some other group in the organization. Such notification of a MICS
modification is usually better received if made in advance. That is, announce the day that the implementation is done with several days "warning," so that changes in operation or reporting can be made on a timely basis.User Modification Descriptions, contains blank User Modification Description log sheets. These sheets provide a convenient skeleton for documenting the minimum amount of necessary information about user-developed changes. The information that is requested on this form is useful and necessary, but can be a small part of the complete documentation picture.
Some of the identifiers on the User Modification Description form are designed to refer to a user-oriented filing system. The documentation and working notes that are generated during approval and design phases of the modification development can be saved. An attractive alternative filing method is to use the user modification number to index a complete file on the modification. Such a file could easily contain not only the design material, but also code listings (before and after), IEBUPDTE listings, and test results. This scheme has advantages in being able to reconstruct the implementation process.