Traditionally, business analysts focused on getting a deep understanding of business processes, policies and procedures in order to guide how these would have to be adjusted to support project-related change. But with digital transformation now taking centre stage, companies today are also leaning on business analysts to assist with technology selection, defining technology best practices, finding new digital business opportunities and more. With this in mind, the world of the business analyst in 2020 (and beyond) will start to look very different. At Analyze, we predict the following key shifts: Business Analysts will become more digital-focusedAs the digital landscape continues to evolve, business analysts will need to stay up to date with changing and emerging technologies, industry trends, new sources of data and ways in which organisations can leverage digital technologies to achieve their organisational goals. It’s all about applying a digital lens to typically non-digital operations and reimagining all ways of working. Data Analytics will become a core competency We’ve all heard of the Internet of Things (IoT) and all of the associated data that comes along with it. As more and more devices “go online”, data volumes will continue to increase. For the business analyst, being able to analyse and interpret this data in order to help inform strategic business, marketing and technology investment decisions will be key. Expect greater agility The role of the business analyst within an agile context has already brought about some fundamental changes over the past few years. Business analysts have needed to find ways to be more flexible in their analysis practices without sacrificing on quality and completeness, and we expect an even greater push toward working faster and smarter as we enter a new decade of rapid and continuous digital growth. Blurred lines and broad expertise Business analysts will become the collaborator, bringing different professionals and disciplines together to help get the job done. It will require a broader understanding beyond the conventional constructs of business analysis and will also require business analysts to be flexible in their roles by getting more hands-on with activities like design and testing. As an example: Business analysts do not need to be User Experience (UX) experts per se, but they do need to have a basic understanding of user interface design principles and who/what will be needed to ensure that you get it right. Becoming digital agents of change A business analyst’s involvement will not end once technologies have been selected and requirements have been defined. They need to be agents of change who will promote and facilitate the restructuring of business processes in order to align with these technological changes. Just as they’ve always done, business analysts will need to keep the bigger picture at heart, considering the people and the processes, but within a renewed digital focus. To discuss Business Analysis consulting options for your organisation, give us a call on 021 447 5696 or email us on info@analyze.co.za. Our team of highly skilled business analysts have experience across a wide variety of technologies, delivery approaches and industries, making it easy to find the right type of BA for the job.
