The Systems Development Life Cycle: Analysis

The role of the analysis phase is to identify the business requirements for the information system. What needs will it fill? What outputs does it need to generate? Who will use it? How many users will need to use it at the same time? What is an appropriate schedule and budget? Considering all constraints, what is the best solution?

There are three crucial steps in the analysis phase:

1. Understand the old system
2. Identify how the old system can be improved
3. Develop specifications for the new system

It is important for the members of the development team to understand the organization —its people, activities, and current information systems. By having a clear understanding of the organization as a whole, the development team will recognize who will be affected by the new system, and how the new system will affect the people in the organization.