the design phase alternative systems configuration
there may be diffrent possible soltuons available for the project team. The desiginers must decided which is the most approriate chocie for the particvular system undergoing change they may use a cost/ benifit analysis to assist in evalutating alternative system configurationskey criteria include comparison of: cost (both at implementation and ongoing) compatibility of componets (how well the proposed system will fit in with the existing system in terms of hardware and software) user friendly procedures user friendliness of equipment