System Design and system analysis

System Design
System design is the process of defining the elements of a system such as the architecture, modules and components, the different interfaces of those components and the data that goes through that system. It is meant to satisfy specific needs and requirements of a business or organization through the engineering of a coherent and well-running system.

Systems design implies a systematic approach to the design of a system. It may take a bottom-up or top-down approach, but either way the process is systematic wherein it takes into account all related variables of the system that needs to be created from the architecture, to the required hardware and software, right down to the data and how it travels and transforms throughout its travel through the system. Systems design then overlaps with systems analysis, systems engineering and systems architecture.

The systems design approach first appeared right before World War II, when engineers were trying to solve complex control and communications problems. They needed to be able to standardize their work into a formal discipline with proper methods, especially for new fields like information theory, operations research and computer science in general.

Systems Analysis
Systems analysis the process of observing systems for troubleshooting or development purposes. It is applied to information technology, where computer-based systems require defined analysis according to their makeup and design.

In IT, systems analysis can include looking at end-user implementation of a software package or product; looking in-depth at source code to define the methodologies used in building software; or taking feasibility studies and other types of research to support the use and production of a software product, among other things.

Systems analysis professionals are often called upon to look critically at systems, and redesign or recommend changes as necessary. Inside and outside of the business world, systems analysts help to evaluate whether a system is viable or efficient within the context of its overall architecture, and help to uncover the options available to the employing business or other party.

Systems analysts are different than systems administrators, who maintain systems day to day, and their roles generally involve a top-level view of a system to determine its overall effectiveness according to its design.

by IBRAHIM MCHUCHURI