Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts design new computer systems, or devise changes to existing ones to allow an organization to perform more efficiently. They study how work is carried out in an organization and produce a design to meet the needs of the user. They devise and write program specifications for applications programmers to use and then oversee the testing of an implementation of the completed system.

The job:

The computer systems analyst first identifies what the organization wishes to achieve by introducing a new computer system or improving an existing one. They may, for example, want to carry out existing tasks more quickly or to improve the information available for managing the business. A detailed study is carried out to understand how the business works. They hold interviews with members of staff to find out how the work is done and to determine how information (data) moves around the organization. The information may take a variety of forms, such as invoices for sending to customers. Details of the amount of work done are needed to ensure that the computer system can cope with the work load. Staff interviews have to carry out tactfully, since there may be opposition to changes in working practices.

Systems analysts put all this information into a requirements specification, which defines what is expected of the finished computer system. Any hardware requirements must also be identified: for example, more printers may be needed or additional computer processing power to cope with the extra workload.

*Systems analysts talk to the end users to understand what they need a system to do before undertaking any design work.

Once the requirements specification has been approved, systems analysts carry out data analyses to decide how the data will be stored in the database. Analysts then produce program specifications. Each of these defines a task that the computer has to carry out as part of the overall system. For example, a report may be needed to show all the invoices raised during a working day. In the program specification, analysts define the data that is needed an how it will appear on the printed report. The specifications are given to applications programmers, whose job it is to write the programs. The specifications need to be very through to ensure that they meet the users' needs and to avoid ongoing problems in the complete system. It is now common for organizations to employ analysts and/or programmers who carry out both analysis and programming.

Once the programs are written, they need to be tested to remove any errors or bugs. Initially, this is carried out by the programmers. Analysts must make sure that testing is performed by the end users (acceptance testing) to be certain that the system can cope with normal day to day use as well as any exceptional circumstances. If problems are found while testing is being carried out, analysts will have to find the solutions.

Once the programs have been written and tested, systems analysts help to oversee the implementation of the system. All the programs must be installed and the programs must be installed and the database must be correctly set up. Systems analysts may need to liaise with operations staff in order to set up procedures for running batch programs.

The overall project will be set up to run to fixed deadlines so systems analysts require excellent planning and management skills to meet those deadlines.

Systems analysts are employed by large scale computer users, such as banks and insurance companies, computer manufacturers, software houses, and computer consultancies. They work from offices although they are expected to travel to meet clients. This may involve long or short stays away from home, and could include overseas travel. Due to the pressure of project deadlines, they often have to work additional hours.

Training involved:

Computer systems analysts are normally educated to degree level and have previous experience in computing. Experienced applications programmers often move into systems analysis. There are some relevant degrees available, such as business decision analysis and information systems management, although the subject is not necessarily important. Some companies recruit graduates directly onto training courses, but competition is fierce.

Once in employment, in house training is normally provided.

Future prospects:

Computer systems analysts working for large organizations and businesses do have a promotion structure, first moving to a senior analyst's position and then into project manager roles. Those with sufficient and varied experience may decide to work freelance on a short or long term contract basis, or set up their own consultancy company. It may also be possible to move to other careers in management or in other areas of information technology. At present there is a steady demand for talented systems analysts.

For further information, please contact large companies, computer manufacturers, and professional information technology organizations and consultancies.