All organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Computer systems analysts help organizations to use technology effectively and to incorporate rapidly changing technologies into their existing systems. The work of computer systems analysts evolves rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology.
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software. They may also devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional tasks. Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system software and infrastructure are often called system architects. Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often are known as systems designers.
To begin an assignment, systems analysts consult managers and users to define the goals of the system. Analysts then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users' needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to make sure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.
When a system is approved, systems analysts determine what computer hardware and software will be needed to set it up. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then they work with programmers to "debug," or eliminate errors, from the system. Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing may be called software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these workers diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
In some organizations, programmer-analysts design and update the software that runs a computer. They also create custom applications tailored to their organization's tasks. Because they are responsible for both programming and systems analysis, these workers must be proficient in both areas. As this dual proficiency becomes more common, analysts are increasingly working with databases, object-oriented programming languages, client–server applications, and multimedia and Internet technology.
One challenge created by expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Systems analysts work to make the computer systems within an organization, or across organizations, compatible so that information can be shared. Many systems analysts are involved with these "networking" tasks, connecting all the computers internally, in an individual office, department, or establishment, or externally, as when setting up e-commerce networks to facilitate business among companies.
Work environment. Computer systems analysts work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week—about the same as many other professional or office workers. Evening or weekend work may be necessary, however, to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. Many analysts telecommute, using computers to work from remote locations.
Like other workers who spend long periods typing on a computer, computer systems analysts are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder.
| 1. | Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems. |
| 2. | Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems. |
| 3. | Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology. |
| 4. | Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address. |
| 5. | Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility and so information can be shared. |
| 6. | Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles. |
| 7. | Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow. |
| 8. | Interview or survey workers, observe job performance or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed. |
| 9. | Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system. |
| 10. | Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs. |
| 11. | Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering. |
| 12. | Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment. |
| 13. | Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs. |
| 14. | Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards. |
| 15. | Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes. |
| 16. | Recommend new equipment or software packages. |
| 17. | Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements. |
| 18. | Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects. |
| 19. | Utilize the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems. |
| 20. | Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation. |
| 21. | Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results. |
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