Business analysis processes and techniques in software development

The misconception that software development is all about coding overlooks an important prerequisite: comprehensive planning. In addition to building a team of skilled developers, it is important to have a fundamental understanding of what exactly needs to be developed. This goes beyond abstract concepts; practicality requires clearly defined requirements as a basis.

Developing exceptional software requires careful consideration of every aspect – its appearance, features, functions, challenges, and opportunities. Business analysis is the core of this strategic process. In this article, you will learn about the irreplaceable role of business analysis processes and the subtleties of its methods in software development. From crystallizing ideas to aligning goals, this exploration demystifies the intricate components and processes in business analysis, emphasizing the indispensable synergy between business acumen and technical finesse.

Business analysis in software development

Business analysis processes occupy an important place in the confusing world of software development. This dynamic business analysis process involves identifying product needs, opportunities, and problems. Once analyzed, the goal is to identify and implement solutions that meet stakeholder requirements. An experienced business analyst acts as a liaison, immersing themselves in the intricacies of a software project. They meticulously gather the customer’s requirements, acting as a critical liaison between the business and technical experts. It’s not just translation but also mediation, ensuring seamless communication. The result? Reduced development costs, problem identification, timely release, and a comprehensive plan. In essence, business analysis techniques and processes become the foundation for ensuring success in the ever-changing software development landscape.

What does a business analyst do in software development?

In the tangled landscape of software development, the business analyst serves as a liaison, collaborating with stakeholders, users, technicians, customers, and senior management. Their role includes researching new IT business processes, developing insights based on business needs, and training staff. Their expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of business analysis processes, ensuring that the end product aligns seamlessly with business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborating with stakeholders, users, technicians, customers, and senior management.

• Researching new IT business processes to keep systems up to date.

• Developing innovative ideas in line with business needs.

• Delivering staff training is an integral part of the wider strategy.

Required skills:

• Technical skills
• Analytical acumen
• Effective communication
• Problem-solving ability
• Research skills

In essence, business analysis techniques and processes under the guidance of an experienced business analyst are indispensable in software development, ensuring comprehensive user satisfaction.

Processes and techniques in business analysis

Step 1 – Making the orientation

Orientation is the foundation of the business analysis process. In this critical phase, the business analyst seeks to define the business objectives, requirements, and scope of the project, forming a solid foundation for the business analysis process. This stage is not just a compass; it is a meticulous dance to ensure that the creation of software is not only efficient but also fast, epitomizing a confident investment for the business. Business analysis techniques and processes manifest themselves in a structured flow in which the business analyst considers stakeholder needs, defines project goals and scope, learns from the project history to avoid redundancies, and assesses the current business situation, paving the way for corrective actions.

Step 2 – Finding the key business goals

In the systematic sequence of business analysis processes, Step 2, “Identify Key Business Objectives,” is a key element of structured planning. Its purpose is to bring discipline to the planned processes by clarifying business needs and reaching agreements among the parties involved.  This step expedites the process of business analysis, ensuring an efficient and successful project launch. By emphasizing the definition of the scope of the development product, clarity prevails over meeting expectations. As part of the business analysis techniques and processes, analysts are diligent in identifying stakeholder expectations using various methods that will be discussed later. Negotiation and agreement are central, especially when expectations are conflicting, ensuring clarity and achievability. This lays the foundation for an orderly and successful project.

Step 3 – Scope defining

In the strategic sequence of business analysis processes, step 3, scope definition, plays an important role in providing the project team with a clear vision for moving forward that is aligned with business requirements and needs. This step transforms abstract concepts into a realistic depiction, allowing project participants to recognize their roles and contributions to the project product and its implementation. Within business analysis techniques and processes, analysts are charged with responsibilities such as identifying problem-solving approaches to achieve business objectives, defining the scope of work, reaching agreements with stakeholders, and ensuring that planned costs are reasonable and rational. This phase serves as a blueprint to promote clarity and cohesion as the project moves toward completion.

The key to being a successful business analyst is to embrace change and adapt quickly.

Kathleen B. Hass

Step 4 – Creating the business analysis plan

“Creating a Business Analysis Plan” acts as a disciplining element that provides clarity to the entire development process. This step serves as a compass that defines exactly what should be implemented and when. The resulting plan functions as a comprehensive guide that answers the many questions of project participants. Through business analysis techniques and processes, analysts strategically select practical deliverables based on project scope, methodology, and other critical aspects. The result is a clear, comprehensive list of business analysis deliverables covering the entire scope of work. Identifying the participants responsible for creating and analyzing each deliverable provides a structured and accountable approach to project delivery.

Step 5 – Defining the requirements

In the smooth development of business analysis processes, step 5, “Requirements Definition,” plays an equally important role in providing the development team with the necessary information. The primary goal is to ensure that the scope of the project is feasible and to eliminate potential confusion among developers during the software development process. In this phase of applying business analysis techniques and processes, analysts systematically gather the information needed to understand the business’s preferences for specific features or process modifications. The collected data is then analyzed to create a detailed initial draft of expectations that includes comprehensive requirements. Further reinforcement is achieved by thoroughly analyzing and validating each deliverable in collaboration with the business and stakeholders, ensuring consistency and clarity for effective implementation.

Step 6 – Supporting the technical implementation

In the continuous business analysis process, step 6, “Technical Implementation Support,” is designed to guide the project to success and ensure that all business objectives are met. In this step, analysts scrutinize the solution design, making sure that the necessary requirements are met and exploring opportunities to augment them without expanding the technical scope. Documentation is updated or revised to effectively service the design and implementation processes. Analysts collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure that the business context within the technical requirements is clearly understood. They are available to answer questions and help resolve issues during the design, implementation, or testing phases. Requirements change management ensures that the team is working with up-to-date documentation, facilitates stakeholder participation, and confirms, as needed, that the software product meets user and business needs. All of these activities combine to optimize the benefits of development, turning investment into positive results.

Step 7 – Assisting the business in implementing the solution

Step 7, “Helping the business implement the solution,” becomes a critical step because even a brilliantly conceived solution that meets business objectives may not be effective if users do not adopt it. At this stage, business analysts play an increasingly important role in bridging the gap between proposed solutions and user adoption, guarding against the risk of failing to meet objectives. At this stage of the process, business analysts are diligent in ensuring that all parties, including users, are ready to accept the planned changes in the project. Their involvement here is paramount, ensuring seamless integration of solutions into the business landscape and maximizing the likelihood of achieving the original goals.

Step 8 – Assessing the value of the solution

At the conclusion of the business analysis processes, step 8, “Assessing the Value of the Solution,” takes center stage. The entire development process, with its multifaceted components, culminates in the need to thoroughly assess the value created by the solution. This assessment is critical in determining the real impact and success achieved as a result of the implementation. In a complex business intelligence process, this stage involves analysts carefully evaluating actual results against business objectives, demonstrating the extent to which the task has been accomplished. The presentation of these results to business representatives and other stakeholders is critical. In addition, analysts proactively propose further solutions to fully realize the business objectives or address new problems identified during the assessment, completing the typical business analysis process.

Business analyst techniques for different purposes

Business analytics techniques for different purposes

Business analysts use different techniques to achieve different goals:

System improvement:

• Using data analysis to scrutinize user experience behavior and identify weaknesses.
• Identifying redundant features and discovering what the product lacks will direct it to improve.

Process Automation:

• Use complex diagrams to visualize process automation, mapping data flows and user behavior.

Personalize the product for specific audiences:

• Create an empathy map detailing customers’ pains, preferences, behaviors, and visions.
• Customize the product so that it effectively addresses the specific needs of the target audience.

New Product Creation:

• Develop a vision board outlining the target audience, product description, business goals, key features, and value.

In software development, the role of the business analyst, according to Indeed, includes:

• Collaborating with stakeholders, users, technicians, customers, and senior management.
• Exploring new IT business processes to modernize the system.
• Developing ideas in line with business needs.
• Conducting staff training.

To fulfill these responsibilities, business analysts require a skill set that includes technical knowledge, analytical ability, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and research skills.

How do you save money for specialists in business analysis with a limited budget?

With limited budgets, cost-effective strategies for acquiring expertise in the business analysis processes become increasingly important. Two main ways emerge: outsourcing and outstaffing from a software company.

Outsourcing:

• Transfer of secondary functions to a third-party subcontractor.
• Establishing long-term contracts for sustained professional support, enhancing the quality and efficiency of the process of business analysis.
• It frees up human and financial resources within the business.

Outstaffing:

• To legally formalize the employment of a part of the company’s staff in an outstaffing firm that performs the duties of the customer.
• Establish an employment relationship with the outstaffing company, offering services on a contractual basis, thus optimizing taxes and reducing personnel costs.

Both outsourcing and outstaffing aim to minimize risk, financial, and resource costs within the components processes of business analysis, optimize taxes, and reduce personnel costs – important strategies for businesses focused on limited budgets.

Conclusion

In the intricate landscape of software development, the significance of business analysis processes becomes undeniable. Beyond the coding and frameworks lies a foundational process that ensures success— the holistic process of business analysis. This journey through the various components processes in business analysis underscores its pivotal role, from defining objectives to assessing the value of the solution. Business analysts, equipped with diverse skill sets, bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, demonstrating the symbiosis required for seamless project execution. As software development evolves, a comprehensive understanding of business analysis processes proves indispensable for unlocking the true potential of any project.

At Ficus Technologies, we understand the complexity of business analysis processes in software development. Our seasoned business analysts leverage advanced business analysis techniques and processes to ensure your projects are not just coded but strategically crafted. From orienting your business goals to defining requirements and assessing value, we navigate every step with precision. Partner with Ficus Technologies for a seamless integration of business acumen and technical finesse, turning your software development endeavors into success stories.

Sergey Miroshnychenko

CEO AT FICUS TECHNOLOGIES

My company has assisted hundreds of businesses in scaling engineering teams and developing new software solutions from the ground up. Let’s connect.