In which SDLC phase does an ideal Business Analyst (BA) contribute?

The role of a Business Analyst (BA) spans multiple phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), making the contribution during all phases particularly vital.

During the planning phase, a BA performs essential functions such as identifying stakeholders, understanding business needs, and defining project scope. This sets the foundation for the overall direction of the project, ensuring that it aligns with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

In the analysis phase, the BA delves deeper into understanding the requirements. They gather and document the needs of end-users and business stakeholders, ensuring that all functional and non-functional requirements are captured comprehensively. This stage is crucial for identifying any potential gaps between current capabilities and desired solutions.

In the design phase, the BA plays a key role in translating requirements into design specifications. They collaborate with technical teams to ensure that the designed solution will meet the specified needs and facilitate effective communication between business stakeholders and technical staff.

Thus, the involvement of a Business Analyst across all phases of the SDLC enhances the clarity and effectiveness of the development process, maximizing the end product's utility for the organization.