As technology continues to advance and become an integral part of our daily lives, the demand for computer systems and programs also grows. These computer requirements are necessary for the functioning and efficiency of various industries, such as banking, healthcare, retail, and many more. However, the process of developing and implementing computer requirements is not without its challenges. In fact, conflicts often arise between the different stakeholders involved in the process.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common conflicts in computer requirements and provide practical examples to better understand these complex issues.

1. Technical vs. Non-Technical Requirements
One of the most prevalent conflicts in computer requirements arises between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Technical requirements refer to specific technological aspects, such as hardware, software, and network infrastructure, while non-technical requirements pertain to functional aspects, such as user interface and system functionality.

A practical example of this conflict can be seen in the development of a new point-of-sale (POS) system for a retail store. The technical team may prioritize the system’s security and integration with existing hardware and software, while the non-technical stakeholders, such as the store managers and employees, may prioritize an intuitive and user-friendly interface for efficient transactions.

2. Functional vs. Non-Functional Requirements
Another common conflict in computer requirements is between functional and non-functional requirements. Functional requirements determine what the system should do, while non-functional requirements specify how the system should perform. Non-functional requirements include factors such as security, reliability, and performance.

To illustrate this conflict, let’s consider the development of a healthcare software. The functional requirement may be to ensure accurate patient record-keeping, while the non-functional requirement may be to protect patient privacy through secure data encryption. Balancing these two types of requirements can be a challenge, as meeting one may compromise the other.

3. User Requirements vs. Business Requirements
The needs of end-users versus those of the business or organization can also create conflicts in computer requirements. Users, whether they are employees or customers, have their own set of requirements and expectations from the system, while businesses have their own objectives and priorities.

For example, when developing a new banking app, the users may want a quick and user-friendly interface, while the business may prioritize integrating complex security features to prevent fraudulent activities. This conflict can be further complicated when there are conflicting requirements within a user group itself, such as different departments within a company.

4. Budget and Timeline Constraints
In most cases, computer requirement projects are bound by tight budgets and timelines. This can lead to conflicts between stakeholders who may have differing opinions on what should be prioritized and how resources should be allocated. There may also be differing expectations on how long the project should take.

A practical example of this conflict can be seen when a company decides to upgrade their entire computer system within a strict budget and timeline. The IT team may have to sacrifice certain requirements or features in order to meet the financial and time constraints, leading to conflicts with other stakeholders who may have different priorities.

5. Change Management Issues
Change is inevitable in the technology world, and it can often lead to conflicts in computer requirements. This conflict typically arises when there are changes or updates to the existing system, and stakeholders may have differing opinions on how these changes should be implemented.

For instance, when a company decides to switch to a cloud-based data storage system, conflicts may arise between the IT team and the security team on how to ensure data privacy and security in the new system. This can lead to delays in the project and affect its overall success.

In conclusion, conflicts in computer requirements are unavoidable, but they can also be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement. By identifying and addressing these conflicts early on in the development process, stakeholders can work together to find solutions that satisfy all parties involved and ensure the success of the project. Open and effective communication between stakeholders is essential in managing conflicts and finding a balance between highly specialized technical requirements and practical, user-friendly features.