Systems Analysis

Why Trust Techopedia

What Does Systems Analysis Mean?

Systems analysis the process of observing systems for troubleshooting or development purposes. It is applied to information technology, where computer-based systems require defined analysis according to their makeup and design.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Systems Analysis

In IT, systems analysis can include looking at end-user implementation of a software package or product; looking in-depth at source code to define the methodologies used in building software; or taking feasibility studies and other types of research to support the use and production of a software product, among other things.

Systems analysis professionals are often called upon to look critically at systems, and redesign or recommend changes as necessary. Inside and outside of the business world, systems analysts help to evaluate whether a system is viable or efficient within the context of its overall architecture, and help to uncover the options available to the employing business or other party.

Systems analysts are different than systems administrators, who maintain systems day to day, and their roles generally involve a top-level view of a system to determine its overall effectiveness according to its design.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.