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What is the difference between a business analyst and a systems analyst? | FAQs
It’s important to understand the differences between a business analyst and a systems analyst to see which speaks more to your career goals. Watch this video where Brent Combrink, Head Tutor of the University of Cape Town Business Systems Analysis online short course, explains the differences and helps you identify which BSA role is more suited to your abilities and your professional goals.
Although both a business analyst and a systems analysts deal with the process within an organisation, there are differences that affect the nuances of their functions. If you consider a business analyst their focus is more on the business and the broader context of the business’s objectives and changes. A systems analyst has a greater focus on the creation and implementation of requirements specific for specific systems with a more technical approach to the work they do. A business analyst’s role might refer more to concepts like company culture, important changes and training and development whereas a systems analyst would be dedicated to more technical considerations.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be either a business analyst or a systems analyst?
Find out more about this UCT BSA short course.
Transcription
The main difference between a business analyst and a systems analyst is that the BA is business specific and focuses on the broader context in the business of business changes and systems development for a business. On the other hand, the systems analyst will focus on system specific requirements. So the BA is systems agnostic and the systems analyst will look at the technical requirements for a system. Also the BA might also focus on more organisational aspects like training and cultural changes that need to happen in the business and the systems analyst would focus more on the system’s quality requirements and quality control.