What technology specific factors should be identified and evaluated during the initial assessment phase prior to developing an automation project? Explain.

A number of technology-specific factors should be identified and evaluated during this initial assessment phase, including: The problem (s) to be resolved by the development of a new automated system. How technology initiatives fit into overall mission and business objectives. Current or pending legislation that may affect the choice or use of technology. The state of existing systems within the organization and how they should relate to any new system. The system of managing materials in agency records offices as well as in the records center. The nature of any existing or planned records management initiatives within the organization and how they affect or should co-exist with any new system. The expected benefits resulting from the implementation of an automated system. How costs will be measured and at what point the costs will outweigh the benefits. The constraints and limitations of the automation project, including policy, financial requirements and technical skills. The time and resources required to conduct a feasibility study. The level of senior management support (it is best to seek a champion for the records system automation project to offer support at senior levels). The project team members, their roles and responsibilities. Estimation of the work that needs to automated and developing detailed test scenarios beforehand. It is important to consider further future expansion while assessing current tools to automate.