Systems Analysis

Introduction to Systems Analysis

• Systems analysis is a problem-solving method that involves understanding how an existing system works, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and creating a system that’s better than the existing one.
• It’s a vital part of the system development lifecycle.

Purpose of Systems Analysis

• Determines and defines the needs for new or enhanced systems to solve business problems or seize business opportunities.
• Involves gathering and interpreting facts, diagnosing problems and recommending improvements to the system.

The Systems Analyst

• The systems analyst plays a crucial role in systems analysis.
• They liaise between the users and the programmers.
• Their job is to understand the users’ needs and translate them into technical requirements for the programmers.

Stages of Systems Analysis

Requirement Collection

• The method by which data about the system’s requirements is gathered from many sources, including users, managers and IT staff.

Feasibility Study

• The technique used to predict how successful a new system will be.
• Considers three main feasibility aspects: financial, technical and organisational.

Systems Design

• The process of defining the overall system architecture.
• It includes identifying the hardware and software, defining the database and user interface, and deciding on the types, structures and procedures of the data.

Implementation and Testing

• Involves programming the new system, training users, transferring data from the old system, and implementing the new workflows.
• The system is tested to verify it is working as expected.

Evaluation

• Involves checking the new system to ensure it meets the users’ needs effectively.
• If not, the systems analyst will suggest modifications or improvements.

Remember, understanding the processes and techniques involved in systems analysis is crucial for effective programming and system development.