The term “Business Analysis” is self-explanatory. It is a system put in place by enterprises to analyze various aspects of their business. To define it more elaborately, it is a research-based practice that drives change in an organizational context by analyzing limitations and loopholes, defining needs, and guiding solutions aimed to deliver value to stakeholders. The reason why some businesses grow exponentially bigger than others is rooted in successful business analysis systems.
Business analysts often rely on software and tools to aid in the process of business analysis. There are several such tools in the market, each with its own unique features. Comprehensive knowledge of business analysis tools is often a key requirement in the recruitment of business analysts.
In this article, we list the 5 most powerful business analysis tools that are a must-learn for a successful business analyst career.
Top Business Analysis Tools
SWOT
SWOT analysis is one of the leading techniques of business analysis, which involves a strategic review of current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. There are several SWOT analysis tools available online, but SWOT is perhaps the most comprehensive of the lot. Not only does it make SWOT analysis easy, but also provides a platform to brainstorm and collaborate among teams.
Trello
Trello is a Kanban-based collaboration tool that makes managing and prioritizing tasks incredibly easy for entire teams. Trello is a simple yet comprehensive way for business analysts to track tasks, plan projects, and chart progress. It is an extremely useful tool that every business analyst must master.
Version One
Version One is a powerful business analysis tool that also allows integration with enterprise and agile software development applications. It is expressly built to allow automation and scale-up project workspaces across teams in multiple locations.
Pencil
Pencil is a free and open-source tool that is used for prototyping and creating mockups. Prototyping is often critical for business analysts to give customers and stakeholders a visual sense of a product. Pencil allows changes and recommendations to be incorporated into the prototype to ensure the best final product.
Microsoft Visio
One of the leading project management and business modeling tools that many big businesses use is Microsoft Visio. Visio is a comprehensive business analytics solution that helps analysts create project flowcharts, schedules, use case diagrams, data models, process flows, etc.
A Career in Business Analysis
Job titles under the business analysis spectrum include business analysts, business systems analysts, requirements engineers, business intelligence analysts, data scientists, and more. Business analysts enjoy a demanded position in businesses of all shapes and sizes. This field of work comes with the guarantee of long-term stability and a lucrative remuneration.
You might be wondering - how to become a successful business analyst? The first step in pursuing a career in business analysis is to get certified. Acquiring certification not only imparts the necessary skills and training required by any business analyst but also gives the candidate a winning edge in the eyes of the recruiting company. Candidates with an MBA or a Bachelors’ degree in Business, IT, or a related field are usually preferred over others. Sound knowledge of business analysis tools is an added plus point.
Conclusion
Business analysis is a profitable career path that guarantees growth, stability, and a high salary. In order to advance your prospects of securing a business analyst role, you could consider signing up for a business analyst course such as a PG Program for Agile Business Analyst that would provide foundational training and knowledge.
