Fine Line between a Business Analyst and System Analyst

The Business Analyst and System Analyst, both terms sound almost same, but have huge difference. Often a time people misunderstand these two different jobs and try to look for the person who can work as both business and system analyst. Technically, it is impossible to find such super executive and in case you hired a one, it might put the projects at stake because the job of the business and system analyst requires different micro skills. This article will guide you with the simple explanation of the job role and expected expertise a system analyst and business analyst should posses, which will allow you to find the exact differences between both. So you may make a right choice and select the right person you might require for your firm. The article will shed light on other details related to these two business entities, too, so you can differentiate these two business people separately.

Business Analyst and His Job Role

The business analyst is an executive, who work as a mediator between the client and the development team. He/she will bridge the gap between the client, who uses the layman's language and the development team who uses the technical jargon to define the same system. The Business analyst will discuss the client requirements, understand it well and create the development outline. This development details will be shared with the developers, who will develop the proposed system. The business analyst will test the system from his end and make sure the client's requirements are satisfied with the developed solution. He will also ensure the successful integration of the developed solution at the client end. In a nutshell, the job role of the business analyst is to bridge the gap between the client and the development team of the company and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

The most vital skill of the business analyst is to have the functional knowledge of the proposed solution or system. For example, if the business analyst is working for the web development company, which works with the CMS technologies, then he must have fully functional knowledge of all the CMS and the web development.

System Analyst and His Job Role

The system analyst is an executive, who works closely with the end user and the technical team. His job role includes the activities such as planning the system flow; manage design and other technical aspects and successful implementation of the working system technically. He needs to ensure the implementation of the fully functional system practically. He must have the thorough knowledge of the technical aspects of the system to be implemented and its whole workflow. In general, the educational background of the system analyst is of computer science or related streams.

The most vital skill of the system analyst is to have strong technical knowledge and system design skills.

What are the similarities between Business and System Analyst?

Even if the job roles are completely different for both system and business analysis, there are a few skills both should have in common. Both must be a good team player as they need to build confidence in the team so the team can share the possible uncertainties and related issues with an open heart. He must have great communication power to build the trust and rapport with the client to avoid any possible communication gap.

Nowadays, the system analysis and development works in the IT industry, but there can be different industries other than the IT who can effectively take help of any or both of them to improve their business model, productivity and client satisfaction.