Transferring transaction data from a legacy system to the new system would be defined by which category of system design specifications?

The correct answer is associated with the category of system design specifications that focuses on the processes involved in transitioning data from one system to another. This specific process of transferring transaction data from a legacy system to a new system is known as conversion.

Conversion is a critical aspect of system design because it encompasses all activities necessary to prepare the data, including cleaning, transforming, and loading it into the new system. This process ensures that the data remains consistent, accurate, and usable in the new environment, thereby facilitating a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions to business operations. Conversion may involve various strategies such as direct conversion, parallel conversion, or phased conversion, each tailored to the specific needs and risks of the organization.

In contrast, the other categories mentioned pertain to different aspects of system functionality and design. Input refers to how data is entered into the system, database specifications involve the structure and schema of the database itself, and manual procedures cover human-operated processes that might exist alongside automated systems. These elements are important but do not specifically address the critical task of moving data from an old system to a new one. Hence, conversion is the most appropriate term to describe this process.