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Who is a Systems Analyst?

A systems analyst is responsible for the study of problems and needs of an organization in determining how combination of people, methods with the use of information technology can be used in bringing improvements to an organization.

In laymen's terms a systems analyst is a person who advices on how information systems and technology could be used or handle a business requirement of an organization. A systems analyst would advice on what software and hardware to be used, how the system should work, what the architecture of the system should be, how the data would be stored in the system and on what network infrastructure the system would run on and how the users would interact with it and eventually how this new system would help in catering for the business needs of the organization.

What does a Systems Analyst do?

There are various roles and functions that a systems analyst performs. In a nut shell these include: include:

Conducting feasibility studies
As a systems analyst you would get to work with other IT specialist in conducting feasibility studies for companies on the adaptation of an information system or new technology. You would get to research and analyze in advising the organizations the technical risks involved in the adaptation, what the economical risks are and when the project can break even, as well as finding how well the new system would align with the policies of the organization.

User requirements gathering
One of most common roles of a system analyst is gathering requirements for the new system. This means you get to interview various persons in an organization, from the top management to the data entry users, in gathering the requirements for the new system. This is the opportunity to put you good interpersonal and analytical skills into practice.

Write technical documents
As a systems analyst you would be required to produce technical documents such as software requirements documents, system design specifications which would need be given to the systems design and development team to code the system. You would also be required to develop or help in the prepare user manuals for the system to be used by the end users of the system. This gives you the opportunity to make use of your good writing and communication skills in preparing top notch documentation.

Conduct analysis on new technology
As a systems analyst you would get the opportunity to analyze and work with new technologies in determining solutions for your customers.

Interact with the design and development team
As a systems analyst you would get to work closely with the systems design and development team in conveying the customer's requirements to them using a more technical language. As you are the intermediate between the client and the development team, you would need to be able to efficiently communicate the requirements of the client to the development team.

Conduct testing
As a systems analyst you would be required to conduct performance testing to ensure that the system is able to cater for the needs and growing traffic load of the organization.

System implementation
You would need to be involved in the implementation of the developed or adapted system at the client site. At this stage you would work closely with the customer as well as your technical team in rolling out a smooth implementation with a smooth transition to the new system.

Travel opportunities
If you like travelling then there are very high chances that you will get to travel around the country as well as overseas being a systems analyst. As a systems analyst you are required to travel to various client sites during the phase of the project in conducting the above mentioned roles.

How do I become a systems analyst?

To become a systems analyst you would need to have the proper skills and qualifications, which would assist you in understanding the concepts and procedures required to conduct the activities effectively.

Visit the skills & Qualifications page to learn more about the skills and qualifications required to be a successful systems analyst.