Step 5:  Map Vocabulary to Data

The audience changes significantly in Step 5.  In this step, business analysts need to collaborate closely with data specialists in IT to ensure the right data is used.

The goals of this step	Identify data sources Map terms to attributes Specify static vs. dynamic data Define cardinalities
Responsible parties	Data Specialists —map data to business concepts and business rules Business Analysts —review and validate data specification
Techniques and methodology	Data modeling techniques Database administration techniques

Step 6:  Invoke Tool

Business analysts can relax a bit during this step.  Technical developers take over and do their magic.

The goals of this step	Code business logic in the technical platform
Responsible parties	Developers — implement Business Analysts —be available to answer questions
Techniques and methodology	Techniques appropriate to technical platform

As we all know, different implementation platforms implement your solutions differently.  What is most important to remember is that if you stay focused on the business needs, you will ensure alignment and accuracy.

The following shows some examples of how the business analysis efforts can be used to validate system development efforts.  Keep in mind that the business analysis effort is the same no matter which implementation platform is used.  To illustrate this important point, I provide implementation examples conducted by three different vendors:

• OpenRules using OpenRules native technology.


• Oracle using Oracle OPA technology.


• MVC Pro, an independent system integrator adept in rule engine and non-rule engine implementation platforms.

Figure 1.  Decision structure translated into decision table in OpenRules.  

 

Figure 2.  Decision table translated to implementation format in OPA.  

It is not necessary or realistic for business analysts to understand the implementation language.  It is, however, important for business analysts to be confident that the rules specified in steps 1 – 4 are implemented as specified.  Step 7 enables the business analysts to do that.

Step 7:  Execute

Business analysts need to participate in this step to validate the results.

The goals of this step	Validate results generated from the system to match the expected results specified in scenarios created in Step 4
Responsible parties	Developers —fix issues if required Business Analysts —validate outcome
Techniques and methodology	Testing techniques

Again, deliverables produced in Steps 1 – 4 should be used to validate the results.  The following two examples show how different implementation platforms produce results that align with the business analysis conducted.

Figure 3.  Outcome as executed by OpenRules.  

 

Figure 4.   Outcome as developed by MVC Pro.  

Just Remember…

Plainly speaking, here are some of the main things you need to remember.  Business analysts can bring the biggest value to the business by

• focusing on what makes the business smart — including business rules, decisions, and concepts.
  
  
• assisting business stakeholders in formulating, extracting, articulating, and analyzing rules.
  
  
• using a structured approach that puts the business in the driver's seat all the way from initiation to implementation.

For further information, please visit BRSolutions.com     

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