Analysts find ways for computers to meet the needs of an organization. Systems analysts may add only one software application to make better use of the computer. Sometimes they design entirely new software systems. Analysts work to understand the needs of people in an organization. That way they can help the organization benefit from its investment in equipment and personnel.
Analysts begin a project by discussing the businesss needs with managers and users.
Before analysts create a new software system, they spend a great deal of time to clearly defining its goals. This process may mean finding ways to do tasks on the computer that were previously done by hand. Once the goals are clear, analysts break the problem down into separate programmable procedures. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering to plan the system. They also use techniques such as mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting.