System Analysis | System Design

In the areas of science, information technology, and knowledge, the difficulty of systems is of much importance. As systems became more complicated, the traditional method of problem-solving became inefficient. System analysis is to examine a business problem, identify its objectives and requirements, and then design the most optimal solution to fulfill those needs.

System Analysis

It is the very first step in any system development and the critical phase where developers come together to understand the problem, needs, and objectives of the project.

Some of the key aspects of system analysis are:

1. Problem Identification: It involves identifying the issues that the system is aiming to address. Whether it is automating a business process, improving data management, or improving the user experience, understanding the problem is the first and most important step.
2. Requirements Gathering: Once the problem is identified, the next step is to gather and write down the requirements. This involves communicating with the customer and developer to gather information about how the system is to be designed.
3. Feasibility study: Before going into development, it is important to check the feasibility of the project. This includes the evaluation of technical, operational, and financial aspects to determine the feasibility of the proposed solution.
4. Analysis and modeling: To get a deep insight into the system, analysts develop various models, such as Data Flow Diagrams(DFD), Use Cases, and Entity-Relationship(ER) diagrams. These models help the customer to visualize the system and its interactions.
5. Scope Definition: Defining the scope of the system is important to prevent adding excessive features to the system and ensure that the project stays within its limits. It identifies what is part of the system and what is not.

Example:

Fraud Detection Systems: Studying transaction patterns and inconsistencies in financial data to develop algorithms for detecting and preventing fraudulent activities.

System Design

System design is where the project’s blueprint is created. It involves transforming the requirements identified in the analysis phase into a visual solution. The main components of system design are as follows:

1. Architecture design: This phase describes the high level structure of the system. This includes deciding software and hardware components, their connectivity with each other and the overall design of the system. Architects make critical designs ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
2. Database configuration: The design phase includes defining the database schema, data storage, and access methods. A database programmer ensures that data is organized correctly, and that the system can retrieve and process data efficiently.
3. Communication system: Communication controls are important components of most systems. In this phase, designers create the system’s visual elements and interactions.
4. Algorithm Design: Complex algorithms are designed in this phase. Algorithms are the logic or program that makes systems work, and their efficiency and accuracy are critical.
5. Security: Data security is a major concern in today’s digital world. Developers must plan for security measures to protect the system and its data, such as encryption, access control, and threat measures.
6. Test and Maintenance: System plans should also include plans for testing and validation. The designer must specify how the system will be tested to ensure that it meets specified requirements and performs as planned.
7. Documentation: Suitable documentation is necessary to maintain the system and enable future use. During the design phase, documentation should be created or updated to ensure that the development team and end users can access the necessary information.

Example :

Educational Management System:

• Components: Student database, course details, management module, grading system.
• Modules: Enrollment, attendance tracking, assignment submission, grades.
• Interfaces: Student portals, teacher interfaces, parents portal.

What is a System?

A system is a set of things that work together as an interconnecting network to achieve a particular goal. The set of things can be hardware, software, employees and much more. Systems are everywhere around us such as computer systems which have both hardware and software to execute certain functions.

Example: Biological system, Educational system, Physical system, etc.

Constraints of a System

Every system works within certain boundaries called constraints. These constraints define the limits within which the system can operate. Typical constraints include financial constraints, technical constraints, and time constraints, which are important in guiding program development and operation.

Properties of a System

Systems exhibit several key homes:

• Interconnectedness: Components inside a device are interconnected, change in one system might cause change in the another system.
• Environment: Systems exist within an surroundings, interacting with it and being influenced through it.
• Boundary: Systems have a described boundary that separates them from the external environment. This is essential for studying how the system interact with external environment.
• Purpose: Systems are designed with clear purpose and specific objectives. The components of a system are organized in such a way to perform intended tasks.
• Input and Output: Systems need input which leads to give the desired output.
• Feedback: Feedbacks are most important part of the system as it helps the developers to upgrade it with the user requirements.

Elements of a System

• Input: The data that the device gets from external source.
• Process: The activities that occur within the system.
• Output: The result after processing the input.
• Feedback: It is given by the customers end to improve the system.

Types of Systems

• Open Systems: An open system is the one that interacts freely with the external factors. These systems are capable of adapting the changes made within the system.
  Example: business organizations.
• Closed Systems: A closed system is one which is contained within itself. It does not have any interaction with the environment.
  Example: A computer system.
• Adaptive Systems: Adaptive systems are those that change their behavior with the changing environment.
  Example: constantly changing market.
• Dynamic Systems: Dynamic systems are those that change and evolve over a period of time.
  Example: ecological system change with factors like climate change.

System Models

System models are simplified representations of real-world systems that help us to understand, analyze, and design complex systems. These models are important tools used in various fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, and biology to study and predict behavior of the system. System models can be visual, mathematical or conceptual. They provide insights into program design, communication, and development. Here are a few types of system models commonly used: Mathematical, Simulation, Graphical, Physical, Conceptual.

Categories of Information

In the context of system, records may be categorized as follows:

• Operational Information: Information used to perform each day operations.
• Management Information: Information utilized by managers for decision-making.
• Strategic Information: Information related to long-term making plans and approach formula.

Conclusion

In conclusion, system analysis and design form the cornerstone of successful software development and problem-solving in different domains. System analysis and design are fundamental processes that help us navigate the complexities of modern systems and to make innovation in a rapidly changing world.