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Revised 09/27/04
University of Dayton – School of Business Administration
MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications for [Client Name]
[Project Name]
Created by [Team, Members]
Version 1.0 mm/dd/yy
System Design Specifications Approvals:
Client Representatives:
Name/Title Date Signature
University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
Document Revision History:
Version Primary Author(s) Description of Version Revision Date
Draft TBD Initial draft created for distribution and TBD
review comments
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
SYSTEM DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 General Information (10 Points).................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Project Executive Summary...................................................................................................... 5
1.2 System Overview ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Design Constraints .................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Future Contingencies ................................................................................................................ 6
1.5 Project References .................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Terms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................... 6
2.0 System Characteristics (30 Points) .............................................................................................. 6
2.1 System Description ................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 System Partitions and Functions ............................................................................................. 6
2.3 Accuracy and Validity ................................................................................................................ 7
2.4 Timing ......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Adaptability................................................................................................................................. 7
2.6 Failure Contingencies ............................................................................................................... 7
2.6.1 Backup..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.6.2 Fallback. .................................................................................................................................. 8
2.6.3 Degraded Modes of Operation. ............................................................................................... 8
2.7 System Logical Flow ................................................................................................................. 8
3.0 Environment (30 Points) ................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Equipment Environment ........................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1 Storage Media ......................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.2 Input/Output Devices ............................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Communications Environment ................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Software Environment ............................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Software Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Database and File Design ......................................................................................................... 9
3.5.1 Database Management System Files...................................................................................... 9
3.5.2 Non-Database Management System Files .............................................................................. 9
3.6 Human-Machine Interface ......................................................................................................... 9
3.6.1 Inputs ..................................................................................................................................... 10
3.6.2 Outputs/Reports .................................................................................................................... 10
3.7 Other Environment Considerations ....................................................................................... 11
4.0 Operational Design (10 Points) ................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Operations ................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Site preparation and adaptation ............................................................................................. 11
5.0 Appendices (20 Points)................................................................................................................ 11
5.1 Requirements Traceability Matrix .......................................................................................... 11
5.2 Data Dictionary......................................................................................................................... 11
5.3 Screen Layout, Form, and Report Samples .......................................................................... 11
5.4 Updated ERD for Recommended System ............................................................................. 11
5.5 Primitive DFDs ......................................................................................................................... 11
5.6 SBA IT Technology Request Workbook (TRW) .................................................................... 11
5.7 To-be-determined list .............................................................................................................. 11
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
Grading notes:
Points are deducted from your overall score for improper grammar, sentence structure, word choice; poor
spelling and document structure issues such as: incomplete title page, revision history and table of
contents.
Template references and sources:
This template is primarily based on the IEEE Standard for System Design Descriptions, State of Maryland
Department of Budget and Management Systems Development Life Cycle Templates, The U.S.
Department of Justice Systems Development Life Cycle Guidance Document and Quality Software Project
Management by Robert T. Futrell, Donald F. Shafer, Linda I. Shafer.
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
1.0 General Information (10 Points)
The System Design Specifications provides a listing of the specifications of the system and its
subsystems. It also defines, in detail, the interfaces with other systems and subsystems and the facilities
to be used for accomplishing the interfaces. For each subsystem, include such information as timing
requirements, equipment needs, communications environment, support software, security, and input and
output records.
Not all of the sections in this template may apply to your specific project, but you are required to
justify why the sections that you are planning to omit do not apply.
1.1 Project Executive Summary
This section provides a description of the project from a management perspective and an overview of the
framework within which the conceptual system design was prepared. If appropriate, include the
information discussed in the subsequent sections in the summary.
Remember, since the whole system design statement may be rather long, a real client may only read this
executive overview, so give careful thought it its preparation. The System Design Specification (SDS) will
act as a template for the proper design of the application.
Some of the issues that the Executive Summary should address are the following:
1. A summary of the design specifications, critical milestones, costs & benefits, and risks for the
system being developed.
2. A summary highlighting the contents and purpose of the SDS. For example, this document is
written to specify the design of the system to be developed and is necessary for successful
completion of the project. It can be used as a contract of the work to be performed between the
customer commissioning the system and the developers of the system.
3. Your recommendation for the next phase of the project.
1.2 System Overview
This section describes the system in narrative form using non-technical terms. It should provide a high-
level system architecture diagram showing a subsystem breakout of the system, if applicable. The high-
level system architecture or subsystem diagrams should, if applicable, show interfaces to external
systems. Supply a high-level context diagram for the system and subsystems, if applicable. Include and
reference an updated requirements traceability matrix (RTM) that maps to the System Requirements
Specifications (SRS), to identify the allocation of the system and functional requirements into this design
document.
1.3 Design Constraints
This section describes any constraints in the system design (reference any trade-off analyses conducted
such, as resource use versus productivity, or conflicts with other systems) and includes any assumptions
made by the project team in developing the system design. Describe any global limitations or constraints
that have a significant impact on the design of the system's software (and describe the associated
impact). Such constraints may be imposed by any of the following (the list is not exhaustive):
Hardware or software environment
End-user environment
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
Availability or volatility of resources
Standards compliance
Interoperability requirements
Interface/protocol requirements
Data repository and distribution requirements
Security requirements (or other such regulations)
Memory and other capacity limitations
Performance requirements
Network communications
Verification and validation requirements (testing)
Other means of addressing quality goals
Other requirements described in the requirements specification
1.4 Future Contingencies
This section describes any contingencies that might arise in the design of the system that may change the
development direction. Possibilities include lack of interface agreements with outside resources or
unstable architectures at the time this document is produced. Address any possible workarounds or
alternative plans.
1.5 Project References
Provide a list of the references that were used in preparation of this document. Examples of references
are:
Previously developed documents relating to the project (BPP, SRS, etc.)
Documentation concerning related projects
1.6 Terms and Abbreviations
Provide a list of the unique terms and abbreviations used in this document and the meaning of each. This
section is the similar to the Glossary in the SRS document.
2.0 System Characteristics (30 Points)
This section provides an expansion of and update to the information published in the System
Requirements Specification (SRS).
2.1 System Description
Provide a general description of the system to establish a reference for the remainder of the document.
Within this description, you may include graphics representing the relationship of the user organizations to
the major components including networking, communications, and distributed processing.
2.2 System Partitions and Functions
Although the descriptions of the system functions may be refined and more detailed as a result of the
continuing analysis and design effort, they must maintain a direct relationship to the system functions
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
established in the SRS and be described in such a way that the system environment can be related to
them.
Describe the system partitions and functions, documenting the traceability between the functional and data
requirements and the defined subsystem.
This section is intended to be a summary and update of the SRS System Functions and Precedence and
Criticality sections of the SRS document.
2.3 Accuracy and Validity
Describe the features incorporated in the design of the system that meet the accuracy and validity
requirements imposed on each system level. Accuracy requirements of mathematical calculations and
data must be considered.
2.4 Timing
This section should be an expansion of the Performance and Workload Characteristics in the SRS
document.
Describe the timing requirements imposed on the system, if applicable. For example, the following timing
requirements may be considered:
Throughput time
Response time to queries and to updates of the data files
Sequential relationship of system functions – these are related to any dependencies that exist
between functions.
Priorities imposed by types of input and changes in modes of operation – may not be applicable
unless there are conditions where only portions of the system are available as described in 2.6.3.
Timing requirements for the range of traffic load or transactions under varying operating conditions
Sequencing and interleaving of software units and systems (including the requirement for
interrupting the operation of a software unit without loss of data). Examples could include cases
where the user loses the session, reboots, or loses their system during the course of a transaction.
2.5 Adaptability
Provide a description of the capability to be incorporated for adapting the system to changing
requirements, such as anticipated operational changes, interaction with new or improved systems, and
planned periodic changes. Components and procedures designed to be subject to change will be
identified.
2.6 Failure Contingencies
Discuss alternative courses of action that are to be taken to satisfy requirements if the proposed system
fails. Include as appropriate:
2.6.1 Backup.
Specify what the users / operators should do if the system is temporarily unavailable and what they should
do when the system is available again.
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
2.6.2 Fallback.
Fallback techniques for ensuring the continued satisfaction of the specific requirements of the system.
Fallback indicates the use of another system to satisfy the system requirements. For example: the
fallback techniques for an automated system might be manual manipulation and recording data.
2.6.3 Degraded Modes of Operation.
If applicable, state priorities for restoring the essential functional processing steps in the event that full
processing capability for all functions is not available.
2.7 System Logical Flow
Present the logical flow of the system. Provide flow charts, dialog diagrams, program design language
(pseudo code), a narrative description, as appropriate. Graphics should provide an integrated
presentation of the system dynamics, entrances and exits, and interfaces with other software units.
Represent all modes of operations, priorities, cycles, special handling and general flow of control.
Additionally, you must also include a prototype of your system as described in the MIS465 Project
Guidelines.
3.0 Environment (30 Points)
This section provides detailed information about the environment where the system will operate in.
Additionally, you are required to provide an updated TRW if changes were identified in the design phase,
and as more detail has become available, that impacted the TRW produced in the analysis phase.
3.1 Equipment Environment
Provide a description of the equipment required for the operation of the system. Include descriptions of
the equipment presently available, as well as a more detailed discussion of the characteristics and impact
of any new equipment necessary for system operation.
3.1.1 Storage Media
Include volume of data storage required.
3.1.2 Input/Output Devices
Include number and type of each online/offline device.
3.2 Communications Environment
Describe the data communications environment of the system. Additionally, provide detailed schematics
of the portions of the communications environment that directly relate to the system or subsystem being
documented. If a standard communications environment is being used, reference can be made to it.
3.3 Software Environment
Describe the software with which the system must interact. Include both support software (trouble
shooting, diagnostics software) and test software (automated testing software), if needed. Provide the
correct name, description, and documentation references of each such software system, subsystem, and
program. Include a reference to the operating system to be used, the database management system (if
any), and any other purchased or internally developed software.
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
3.4 Software Interfaces
Provide a description of the interfaces with other application software systems, including those of other
operational capabilities. For each interface, specify the file format (input/output) and delivery media.
3.5 Database and File Design
Interact with the Database Administrator (DBA) when preparing this section. The section should reveal the
final design of all database management system (DBMS) files and the non-DBMS files associated with the
system under development. Additional information may add as required for the particular project. Provide
a comprehensive data dictionary showing data element name, type, length, source, validation rules,
maintenance (create, read, update, delete (CRUD) capability), data stores, outputs, aliases, and
description.
3.5.1 Database Management System Files
This section reveals the final design of the DBMS files and includes the following information, as
appropriate (refer to the data dictionary):
Refined logical model; provide normalized table layouts, entity relationship diagrams (ERD’s), and
other logical design information
A physical description of the DBMS schemas, sub-schemas, records, sets, tables, storage page
sizes, etc.
Access methods (such as indexed, via set, sequential, random access, sorted pointer array, etc.)
Estimate of the DBMS file size or volume of data within the file
Definition of the update frequency of the database tables, views, files, areas, record sets, and data
pages; estimate the number of transactions if the database is an online transaction-based system
Database backup and recovery procedures, including transaction audit trails, redo logs, etc.
3.5.2 Non-Database Management System Files
In this section, provide the detailed description of all non-DBMS files and include a narrative description of
the usage of each file--including if the file is used for input, output, or both; if this file is a temporary file; an
indication of which modules read and write the file, etc.; and file structures (refer to the data dictionary). As
appropriate, the file structure information should:
Identify record structures, record keys or indexes, and reference data elements within the records
Define record length (fixed or maximum variable length) and blocking factors
Define file access method--for example, index sequential, virtual sequential, random access, etc.
Estimate the file size or volume of data within the file, including overhead resulting from file access
methods
Define the update frequency of the file; if the file is part of an online transaction-based system,
provide the estimated number of transactions per unit time, and the statistical mean, mode, and
distribution of those transactions
3.6 Human-Machine Interface
This section provides the detailed design of the system and subsystem inputs and outputs relative to the
user/operator. Any additional information may be added to this section and may be organized according to
whatever structure best presents the operator input and output designs. Depending on the particular
nature of the project, it may be appropriate to repeat these sections at both the subsystem and design
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
module levels. Additional information may be added to the subsections if the suggested lists are
inadequate to describe the project inputs and outputs.
3.6.1 Inputs
This section is a description of the input media used by the end user for providing information to the
system; show a mapping to the data flow diagrams (DFDs) produced in the analysis phase and
documented in the System Requirements Specification. For example, data entry screens, input forms,
optical character readers, bar code scanners, etc. If appropriate, the input record types, file structures,
and database structures in, File and Database Design, may be referenced. Include data element
definitions, or refer to the data dictionary.
Provide the layout of all input data screens or graphical user interfaces (GUIs) (for example, windows).
Provide a graphic representation of each interface. Define all data elements associated with each screen
or GUI, or reference the data dictionary.
This section should contain edit criteria for the data elements, including specific values, range of values,
mandatory/optional, alphanumeric values, and length. Also address data entry controls to prevent edit
bypassing. Identify the inputs and provide information about the characteristics of each input to the
system, such as:
file name
format and type of data
validation criteria
error handling
help screens and functions
volume
frequency
means of entry
source documents and their disposition
security and privacy considerations
3.6.2 Outputs/Reports
This section describes of the system output design relative to the user/operator; show a mapping to the
high-level data flows. System outputs include reports, data display screens and GUIs, query results, etc.
Identify the output data and reports, including information about the characteristics of each output from the
system, such as:
file names
report formats
selection criteria for displays or outputs
types of output media
disposition of products
report audit and balancing procedures
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University of Dayton – School of Business Administration MIS Senior Project
System Design Specifications (SDS) Revised 09/27/04
3.7 Other Environment Considerations
4.0 Operational Design (10 Points)
This section will supercede any equivalent section in the SDS.
4.1 Operations
This could specify the normal and special operation required by the user such as:
The various modes of operation in the user organization
Data processing support functions
System audit procedures
Backup and recovery operations
4.2 Site preparation and adaptation
This could define the requirements for any data or initialization sequences that are specific to a given site,
mission, or operational mode, for example grid values, safety limits, etc or specify the site of mission-
related features that should be modified to adapt the software to a particular installation.
5.0 Appendices (20 Points)
5.1 Requirements Traceability Matrix
5.2 Data Dictionary
5.3 Screen Layout, Form, and Report Samples
5.4 Updated ERD for Recommended System
5.5 Primitive DFDs
5.6 SBA IT Technology Request Workbook (TRW)
5.7 To-be-determined list
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