By combining the skills of an information technology manager and a project manager, a business systems analyst aids in the improvement of an organization’s processes. He or she is a pro at analyzing and categorizing systems. The analyst examines both internal and external data to make recommendations for improvement. He or she frequently leads a team charged with making the necessary changes to an organization’s system.
Business analysis is one of the most important aspects of a business systems analyst’s job, and it is usually the first step in implementing a change. This requires the analyst to learn about the computers, software, network, and servers that are used for the task at hand. In order to properly diagnose the system’s issues, the analyst must be an expert in every step of the process.
The business systems analyst must apply his or her knowledge of the organization’s system to external data and trends. If, for example, a company’s billing procedure costs it more money than the competition’s billing procedure, the analyst’s job is to determine how significant the difference is. The analyst must also discover how the competition gains an advantage.
It’s also important to present these findings to the organization’s decision-makers. To develop a proposal and present it to a board of directors or a senior management official, a person in this position needs excellent communication skills. The analyst demonstrates how the current system is deficient, what should be done to improve it, and the benefits that would accrue to the organization if this change were implemented. The analyst must also prepare for opposition addressing any concerns about the system overhauls taking too long and being too expensive.
If an organization approves a recommended system change, the main project manager in charge of overseeing the project is often the business systems analyst. Because there is usually no one who knows more about the problem or the solution, this talent is frequently put to use. Because the analyst is rarely the one doing the physical work of changing systems, software, or servers, he or she must be good at managing people. Before introducing the software and hardware to the entire organization, the analyst must stay within budget, stay on schedule, and ensure that everything works properly.