Recently I’ve been asked several times about the differences between a business analyst (BA) and a business systems analyst (BSA). My first answer, of course, is “It depends.” It depends on how your organization has defined the roles. But I thought I would document my understanding of these two roles based on my experience.

What is the Difference Between a BA and a BSA?

1. Business Analyst Defined
2. What is a Business Systems Analyst?
3. Your Organizations Plays and Important Role

Business Analyst Defined

A business analyst by its very definition is someone who analyzes the business, looking for ways to improve it. Individuals with this title may be focusing on the business as a whole (strategic analysis) or on a particular business function or operating unit.   

A BA studies the business and looks for ways to increase success.  A BA might suggest changes to processes, personnel, or product offerings.  They also may recommend increased technology support.  BAs may have little technical background, instead being industry or business unit experts.

What is a Business Systems Analyst?

Adding the word “system” to the title of business analyst moves the role into a more technical realm. Even though the word “system” doesn’t mean technology, most businesses have used the phrase “information systems” to mean software applications.

Therefore, a business systems analyst knows more about application systems and how they support the business needs. A BSA will be able to recommend changes to existing applications, identify impacted interfaces, and work with the technical team to implement and test the changes.

BSAs almost always report to the IT department, whereas BAs may report to a business unit. BSAs spend most of their time on projects and support work. The BSA title evolved from the title of systems analyst, which is an IT role. A systems analyst (also known as an IT architect or programmer/analyst) designs software and hardware solutions based on requirements.

Your Organization Plays an Important Role

Titles mean nothing and everything. Each organization should strive to create meaningful and accurate titles for their employees, but with work as complex as business analysis, no title or job description is ever going to completely explain the varied and sophisticated work of an analyst.

Based on your experience, how do you define these roles?  RMC offers business analysis classes that teach you the fundamentals of business analysis.  If you are interested in business analysis certification, we can you discover if the PMI-PBA certification is right for you.

If you are already performing business analysis work and want to take your career to a new level, RMC can help you prepare to take is to take PMI-PBA® exam.  We’re here to help if you have more questions.  Simply contact us.

Sources: https://www.modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/ID/3726/Differences-Duties-and-Responsibilities-of-Business-Analysts-and-System-Analysts.aspx