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CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation

During an ERP implementation, the project team decides to customize the software to align with existing business processes. Which of the following risks is MOST likely to increase as a result of extensive customization?

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates often confuse customization with configuration; customization modifies source code or adds custom objects, while configuration uses built-in parameters, and only customization significantly increases upgrade costs.

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

Higher costs for future upgrades

Extensive customization of an ERP system typically involves modifying the core code or configuration beyond standard parameters. This creates a custom code base that diverges from the vendor's standard release, making future upgrades significantly more complex and costly because each upgrade requires re-applying and testing all customizations against the new version, often requiring specialized skills and extensive regression testing.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • Increased vendor lock-in

    Why it's wrong here

    Customizations may make it harder to switch vendors, but upgrade issues are more direct.

  • Simpler data migration

    Why it's wrong here

    Customization does not simplify data migration.

  • Reduced user acceptance

    Why it's wrong here

    Customization may improve user acceptance.

  • Higher costs for future upgrades

    Why this is correct

    Custom code must be adapted for each new version.

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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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