3.1.1 Advantages of waterfall model
i This model is simple and easy to understand and use.
ii It is easy to manage due to the rigidity of the model – each phase has specific deliverables and a review process.
iii In this model phases are processed and completed one at a time. Phases do not overlap.
iv Waterfall model works well for smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.
3.1.2 Disadvantages of waterfall model
i. Once an application is in the testing stage, it is very difficult to go back and change something that was not well-thought out in the concept stage.
ii. No working software is produced until late during the life cycle.
iii. High amounts of risk and uncertainty.
iv. Not a good model for complex and object-oriented projects.
v. Poor model for long and ongoing projects.
vi. Not suitable for the projects where requirements are at a moderate to high risk of changing.
3.1.3 When to use the waterfall model
This model is used only when the requirements are very well known, clear and fixed. i Product definition is stable.
i. Technology is understood.
ii. There are no ambiguous requirements
iii. Ample resources with required expertise are available freely and The project is short.
iv. Very less customer enter action is involved during the development of the product. Once the product is ready then only it can be used by the end users. Once the product is developed and if any failure occurs then the cost of fixing such issues are very high, because we need to update everywhere from document till the logic.
The existing system was studied to establish its weak and strong points. The information that was acquired from this study gave the basis for the design of the system. A number of steps, procedures and tools were employed as shown below:
3.2 Analysis of the Existing System
The existing system is a method that has been carried out in terms of manual operation. The system uses the alpha-numeric method in the assignment of number plates to vehicle owners. For every vehicle registered in a local government, there is a serial arrangement of alphabets and numbers which serve as a unique identity to vehicle owners. For example, Makurdi is code-named “MKDâ€, hence the assignment of number plates starts from “MKD-001 AAâ€. The numbering runs from 001-999 and then the alphabet code proceeds to the next which is AB. This is also numbered from 001-999, then AC until AZ. After AZ the alphabet serial proceeds to BA which also runs till BZ, this convention continues until the alphabet serial gets to ZZ. This implies that the last number plate to be assigned using the existing system would be MKD-999 ZZ. Therefore the total number of vehicles that can be registered to Makurdi sums up to
675, 324.
AA ranges from 001-999 AA - AZ = 26
➔ Total registration from AA – AZ = 999 x 26
= 25, 974
From AA – AZ, there are 26 letter combinations, Therefore, from AA – AZ, there will be 26 x 26
= 676 letter combinations
Each letter combination consists of 999 entries, it implies that all letter combinations will comprise of:
676 x 999 = 675, 324 registrations in a local government.
Since there are 23 local government areas in Benue state, it implies that the total possible registrations in Benue State will sum up to: 675, 324 x 23 = 15, 532, 452 vehicles
3.1.1 Disadvantages of the Existing System
There are several problems in respect to the existing system, it involves the use of manual system to store and retrieve data/information. The system has proved less reliable as the objective of the system has also become questionable. Among the problems associated with the existing system include the following:
i. The process involved to successfully complete a registration is tedious and time consuming
ii. It can be easily damaged or destroyed
iii. Data redundancy
iv. Time wasted in searching/sorting for information
v. Poor security and protection
vi. Misplacing and Mismanaging of files
3.2 Evaluating the Proposed System
The proposed system, which is computerized, is designed using web technologies. Its core programming is done in Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) and the database system used for storage of data and processing of records is Oracle Database. It has so many benefits that override the problem experience in the current system. The need of this new system cannot be over emphasized as it is aimed at achieving the following objectives;
i. Quick Retrieval of Information: There will be fast retrieval of information, which has advantage over the manual system.
ii. Improve quality of data and accuracy of Computation: Measures of accuracy will be achieved since the computer system will maintain some level of stability.
iii. Neatness/Reduced Use of Paper: Computerization gives room for production of a very neat job. Besides, since the vast volume of paper, which is used in keeping/storing information, will no longer be needed, it will help in keeping a very neat office.
