systemsanalysis

Systems analysis is the process of studying a system to identify its goals, evaluate how it currently operates, and determine changes needed to meet objectives. It focuses on understanding stakeholder needs, constraints, information flows, and the system’s context to define clear, testable requirements for change. It can apply to information systems, business processes, software, and embedded systems, and it typically sits within the broader systems development life cycle.

A typical analysis process includes problem definition and scope, requirements elicitation with stakeholders, modeling of current and proposed processes and data, feasibility assessment, validation of requirements with stakeholders, and documentation. Analysts produce artifacts such as requirements specifications, process and data models, interface definitions, and a prioritized change plan. Common modeling techniques include data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, use case and sequence diagrams, and UML class or activity diagrams.

Roles involved often include systems analysts or business analysts, sometimes supported by data analysts, architects, and project managers. Key outcomes are a requirements specification, a conceptual system design, and a basis for evaluation, procurement, development, or reuse of existing assets. Systems analysis is distinct from systems design, which focuses on how to implement changes; together they form critical components of the development lifecycle or systems engineering processes.

Trends in the field include agile and iterative approaches that emphasize incremental elicitation and rapid validation, with growing attention to non-functional requirements such as performance, security, interoperability, and data governance.