The development of Business Analysis
Ten years ago, different roles existed at the interface of Business and IT, such as functional and technical designers, information analysts and business consultants. The name 'Business Analyst' did not yet exist. Today the name Business Analist is a catch-all term for various roles that translate everything that comes from the business to the rest of the organization. From processes to IT adaptations.
In the next ten years, the name Business Analyst may be replaced by another term, but the essence of the craft remains unchanged. Translating the change demand in the business to the organization/operation, in whatever form.
Now
The role of Business Analyst is mainly known in large organizations. Organizations have to deal with internal changes in processes and systems due to a changed customer demand, changes in legislation or a changed competitive position.
The requirements and wishes for the desired changes must be retrieved, analyzed and recorded in various places. The impact must be determined and an advice must be formed about the possible solution directions. After decision making this will be translated to the existing and possibly new systems and processes. There is consultation with the various stakeholders and the organization must be guided through the changes. This domain is the natural place for a Business Analyst.
DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE
We often see that organizations that ask for help with the change also ask for specific domain knowledge. This knowledge can often only be gained in the domain itself.
AGILE
In an Agile environment, the name Business Analyst is rare. The activities and competences of a Business Analyst are most similar to those of Product Owner. All Business Analysts of Entrador are Product Owner certified and often have a lot of experience in fulfilling or supporting this role.
AGILE CATALYST
The transition to Agile working is in full swing, many organizations are growing to maturity. Our Product Owners are in an excellent position to help an organization with its Agile development, based on their role.
Future
As the role of the Business Analyst has evolved, it will also change further. We see the following developments.
CERTIFICATION
In organizations that start working Agile, you see more and more traditional roles disappear. Because the old roles have some common ground with Business Analysis, it is sometimes thought that with some rewriting of the C.V., someone can fulfill the Business Analysis role as well. In practice, however, this is disappointing, as a result of which there are more and more Business Analysts who do not understand the profession.
For customers and recruiters it is becoming increasingly difficult to see the difference.
For this reason Entrador is strongly committed to the official Business Analysis certification. This is a tough certification process according to international standards, where the skills are tested at different times. Through these certificates real Business Analysts can be distinguished: someone who understands his or her profession.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Digital Transformation is the turnaround within organizations to respond faster and more efficiently to changes in the market and better meet customer demand. Due to the rapid technical developments, new services, software and products are created with a fast time to market. The competition is increasing and distinguishes itself by an increasingly complete customer experience. Customers are more and more central and are no longer satisfied with less than an excellent and fast service.
In order to maintain or grow their position in this rapidly changing market, organizations must be able to respond quickly to new developments. Flexibility is sought: shorter development cycles so that adjustments can be made repeatedly, and at an early stage, to what provides the most value for the customer at that time. This not only requires the deployment of new (digital) technology, it also requires a different way of working: different business processes, information provision and a cultural change.
Such large change processes require thorough analysis, overview and insight. A Business Analyst helps organizations with this.
