Why should the systems development function be separated into new systems development and systems maintenance?

Separating the systems development function into new systems development and systems maintenance is crucial for enhancing systems documentation. This distinction allows organizations to focus specifically on the unique challenges and requirements associated with creating new systems versus maintaining existing ones.

In the context of new systems development, detailed documentation practices can be emphasized from the outset, ensuring that all features, functionalities, and design decisions are thoroughly recorded. This comprehensive documentation is essential for future reference, facilitating easier updates and modifications down the line. Clear documentation makes it simpler for maintenance teams to understand the system's original design intent, which significantly contributes to effective troubleshooting and the implementation of enhancements.

Conversely, systems maintenance often prioritizes immediate fixes and updates rather than rigorous documentation, potentially leading to gaps in understanding how the system operates or why certain decisions were made during its initial development. By having dedicated teams for each function, organizations can better allocate resources to create and maintain high-quality documentation, thus ensuring the longevity and usability of their systems.

This aspect of separating the functions ultimately supports organizational efficiency and robustness in both new developments and ongoing support activities.