The Role of a Systems Analyst

The Role of a Systems Analyst

The system analyst is a professional who applies their knowledge and skills to the analysis of the existing system and then uses the gathered information to define the new system that would better fulfill the company’s needs and reach its goals.   Through the observation of the existing processes, analysis of the information flow through the system, and interviews with the key people, system analyst gains an understanding of the users’ needs and identifies problems in the current system design.   In other words, the main goal of the system analyst is to use the knowledge of the current system combined with the customer’s expectations to envision the future, improved system.   An individual responsible for such a grand task must possess a wide spectrum of skills.   Generally, we can divide them into two main groups: interpersonal and technical.   First of all, however, to become a successful system analyst, certain personality characteristics are a must.   An individual needs to have natural problem-solving skills and enjoy the challenge (since no two projects are ever the same).   Being a motivational force for others working through a given process change, analyst needs to be highly self-motivated and self-disciplined.   Professional as well as personal ethics will also contribute to his image and in result create a better relationship with the customers (Kendall & Kendall, 2008, p.9).   Interpersonal skills are very important for system analysts, as most of their work relies on the effective communication with a wide variety of people.   At first they have to be able to successfully interview the users and the management in order to find the problems in the current system and address these in planning the new one.   At that time analysts need to learn a lot of details about the company, its culture, and the employees.   In order for a change to be a successful one, the broad understanding of all these factors is necessary.   Only a good...