System reviews are the only way to ensure that solutions are consistent with their initial purpose and that standards are not being compromised. It also assists in analyzing the need for process re-engineering when new system functionality becomes available due to the implementation of software upgrades..

Many financial institutions agree on the need for a periodic systems audit. Unfortunately auditing firms are usually deficient in specific banking software skills and knowledge. This is especially true when considering how the banking software has been applied in the business. Most auditing firm can only audit the parts of a T24 site which does not require specific T24 knowledge.

Another aspect is that many organisations only utilise a small percentage of the possible functionality of the system. A system review provides the business with an opportunity to consider the merits of utilising the software in other areas thereby improving the return on investment.

South Atlantic Solutions takes the initiative by recommending that at least two detailed post implementation reviews be included as part of any implementation contract.

We believe that combining our business and technical expertise with the expertise of audit practitioners, will result in an effective system audit which can improve the ongoing value derived from a system.

In a system review we carry out (not exclusively) the following functions :

We evaluate the...

• Success of implementation in comparison with documented specifications.
• Success of implementation in comparison with end-user satisfaction.
• Success of implementation in comparison with adherence to security standards.
• Success of implementation through analysis of risks to data integrity from interfaces.
• Success of implementation through analysis of practicality of system design against work-flow requirements.
• Success of implementation through analysis of the outcome of initial training exercises.
• Success of implementation by reviewing the volume and nature of outstanding issues.
• Success of implementation by reviewing run times against benchmark tests.
• Success of implementation by reviewing system down times and reasons.

The output from the above activities include an assessment report production and where necessary enhancement recommendations and services.