What are the key steps you follow when conducting a systems analysis for a new project?

Key Steps for Conducting Systems Analysis for a New Project

System analysis is a crucial phase in the development of any project. Here are the key steps that a system analyst follows when conducting systems analysis for a new project:

1. Understanding Requirements: The first step is to gather requirements from stakeholders to understand the objectives, scope, and constraints of the project.
2. Identifying Stakeholders: Identify all the stakeholders involved in the project and analyze their needs and expectations.
3. Analyzing Existing Systems: Evaluate existing systems or processes to determine what aspects can be improved or automated in the new system.
4. Creating System Models: Develop system models such as data flow diagrams, use cases, and process models to visualize the system's structure and functionality.
5. Defining System Requirements: Document the functional and non-functional requirements of the system based on the analysis conducted.
6. Designing System Architecture: Design the overall system architecture, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure requirements.
7. Testing and Validation: Develop test cases and conduct validation tests to ensure the system meets the defined requirements.
8. Implementation and Deployment: Collaborate with development teams to implement the system and deploy it in a production environment.
9. Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitor the system post-implementation to ensure it functions as intended, and provide ongoing maintenance and support.

By following these key steps, a system analyst ensures that the project is well-planned, developed efficiently, and meets the requirements and expectations of all stakeholders.