Which of the following is the PRIMARY advantage of parallel processing for a new system implementation?

The primary advantage of a parallel processing implementation is the high level of assurance it provides by validating the new system's functionality against the old, trusted system. In this approach, both systems run simultaneously, processing the same live data. The outputs are then compared and reconciled. A successful reconciliation confirms that the new system processes transactions correctly and meets its specified functional requirements, significantly reducing the risk of an undetected, critical system failure at cutover.

B. More time for users to complete training for the new system

This is not the primary goal. Effective user training should be completed before the parallel run begins to ensure users can operate the new system correctly for the comparison.

C. Significant cost savings over other system implemental or approaches

This is incorrect. Parallel processing is typically the most expensive implementation method due to the duplication of staff effort, hardware resources, and the overhead of comparing and reconciling two systems.

D. Assurance that the new system meets performance requirements

While a parallel run might reveal performance issues, its main purpose is to verify functional correctness (outputs), not non-functional requirements like speed or capacity. Dedicated performance and stress testing are the appropriate methods to gain assurance on performance.

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1. ISACA CISA Review Manual

27th Edition. Domain 3: Information Systems Acquisition

Development

and Implementation. Section 3.5.10

"System Implementation

" discusses changeover techniques. It emphasizes that parallel changeover provides the highest level of assurance by running both systems to check for consistency in processing and results

which directly relates to functional requirements. It also notes this method's high cost.

2. Valacich

J. S.

& George

J. F. (2020). Modern systems analysis and design (9th ed.). Pearson Education. In Chapter 12

"Implementing the System

" the section on "Installation" describes parallel installation. It states

"The primary advantage of this approach is that it is very low risk... you can check the new system’s output against the old system’s... to ensure the new system is working correctly." This verification of output is a test of functional requirements.

3. Hoffer

J. A.

Ramesh

V.

& Topi

H. (2016). Modern Database Management (12th ed.). Pearson. In discussions of system implementation

the text highlights that parallel conversion's main benefit is risk mitigation through direct verification of the new system's processing logic and outputs against the legacy system

confirming it functions as designed.