System Analysis
Introduction to System Analysis
System analysis is the process of studying a procedure or business in order to identify its goals and purposes and
create systems and procedures that will achieve them in an efficient way. It is the first phase of the Systems
Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and focuses on understanding the existing system, identifying problems, and
defining requirements for a new or improved system [1].
Key Objectives of System Analysis:
Understand the Problem: Gain a deep understanding of the current business processes and challenges.
Identify Requirements: Determine what the new system needs to do to solve the identified problems and
meet user needs.
Feasibility Study: Assess the technical, economic, operational, schedule, and legal feasibility of the
proposed system.
Document Findings: Create detailed documentation of the existing system, user requirements, and
proposed solutions.
Phases of System Analysis
System analysis typically involves several key phases:
1. Preliminary Investigation (Feasibility Study)
This initial phase determines the scope of the problem and whether a solution is feasible. It involves:
Defining the problem and objectives.
Assessing the scope and potential benefits.
Conducting a high-level cost-benefit analysis.
Determining technical, economic, operational, schedule, and legal feasibility.
2. Requirements Determination
This is a critical phase where the analyst gathers detailed information about what the new system should do.
Techniques include:
Interviews: Talking to users, managers, and stakeholders.
Questionnaires: Collecting data from a large number of people.
Observation: Watching users perform their tasks.
Document Analysis: Reviewing existing forms, reports, and procedures.
Prototyping: Developing preliminary versions of the system to get user feedback.
Requirements are often categorized as:
Functional Requirements: What the system must do (e.g., process orders, generate reports, manage user
accounts).
Non-Functional Requirements: How the system should perform (e.g., performance, security, usability,
reliability, scalability).
3. Structured Analysis
This phase involves creating logical models of the system to understand its processes, data flows, and data
stores. Common tools and techniques include:
Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs): Graphical representations of the flow of data through a system, showing
processes, data stores, external entities, and data flows.
Data Dictionary: A centralized repository of information about data, including its definition, format, and
relationships.
Process Specifications: Detailed descriptions of the logic within each process identified in DFDs.
Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs): Models that illustrate the relationships between entities (data
objects) in a database.
4. Feasibility Analysis and Report
Based on the gathered requirements and analysis, a detailed feasibility report is prepared. This report typically
includes:
A clear statement of the problem.
Proposed solutions and their scope.
Detailed analysis of technical, economic, operational, schedule, and legal feasibility.
Recommendations for the best solution.
Cost-benefit analysis.
Methodologies in System Analysis
Various methodologies guide the system analysis process, each with its strengths and weaknesses:
Structured Analysis: A traditional, top-down approach that emphasizes logical modeling and
decomposition of systems into smaller, manageable components.
Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA): Focuses on identifying objects, their attributes, and behaviors, and how
they interact. Uses tools like UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams.
Agile Methodologies: Iterative and incremental approaches that prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and
rapid delivery of working software. Examples include Scrum and Kanban.
References
[1] GeeksforGeeks. (2024, January 10). System Analysis | System Design.
[Link]
[2] Medium. A Beginner\’s Guide to Software Engineering Systems Analysis and Design.
[Link]
design-228b22cbc755
[3] Tutorialspoint. System Analysis and Design - Overview.
[Link]
[4] Cerritos College. An Overview of Systems Analysis and Design.
[Link]