16 tech tools for business analysts

Business analysts require technology tools to boost their productivity, optimise their workflow, and keep pace with the ever-changing technological environment, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes

Having the right tech tools is essential for business analysts to perform effectively. These tools help them analyse data, manage projects, design processes, gather requirements, and communicate efficiently.

Interestingly, the number of business analysts worldwide has surged, driven by the realisation that coding expertise is not a prerequisite for success in the field.

This shift underscores the dual nature of business analysis, where both technical and non-technical skills create a comprehensive skill set. The roles of business analysts continue to evolve, reflecting varying technical demands.

According to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, business analysis facilitates change within an enterprise by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders. It helps organisations articulate needs, rationalise change, and design solutions that provide measurable benefits.

“A diverse toolkit is crucial for business analysts, depending on the tasks, available technology, and the skill sets of the team. Balancing technical and non-technical skills is key to their effectiveness,” business analyst, Esther Folorunso, working in the US, education industry, stated in a note to The According.

Business analysis today demands a strong technical foundation. Understanding technology’s role in business, translating business needs into technical requirements, and collaborating effectively with IT professionals enable business analysts to drive digital transformation strategically.

This synergy between business and technology is essential for organisations aiming to achieve their strategic goals, Folorunso explained.

To stay relevant, she advised that business analysts must continuously update their skills, develop expertise in emerging technologies, and refine their soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Here are the essential tools for modern business analysis:

Balsamiq

Balsamiq is a wireframing tool that allows users to sketch out user interfaces quickly. It mimics the experience of drawing on a whiteboard but with the benefits of a digital tool. Balsamiq helps in creating low-fidelity mockups, which are useful for brainstorming and early-stage validation of design concepts.

Figma

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that supports real-time collaboration. It is used for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes. Figma allows multiple stakeholders to work simultaneously, making it ideal for collaborative design processes and feedback sessions.

InVision

InVision is a digital product design platform that enables users to create interactive prototypes and gather feedback. It supports the entire design workflow, from ideation to development. InVision integrates with popular design tools like Sketch and Photoshop, allowing seamless transitions from design to prototype.

Trello

Trello is a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organise tasks. It is highly visual and easy to use, making it suitable for tracking project requirements and progress.

Asana

Asana is a comprehensive project management tool that helps teams manage tasks, projects, and workflows. It allows users to create tasks, assign them to team members, set deadlines, and track progress.

Jira

Jira is a powerful tool primarily used for issue and project tracking, particularly in software development.

Google Forms

Google Forms is a free tool for creating surveys and collecting data. It is straightforward to use and integrates with Google Sheets for data analysis.

SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is an online survey tool that allows users to create and distribute surveys.

Xmind

Xmind is a mind-mapping tool that helps in brainstorming and organising ideas. It supports the creation of detailed mind maps, which can be used to capture and structure requirements during the planning phase of a project.

Visio

Microsoft Visio is a diagramming tool that allows users to create detailed flowcharts, process diagrams, and organisational charts. It is widely used for business process modelling and provides a variety of templates and shapes to facilitate diagram creation.

Draw.io

Draw.io is an online diagramming tool that supports a wide range of diagram types, including flowcharts, network diagrams, and UML diagrams. It is free to use and integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, making it accessible and convenient for collaborative work.

LucidChart

LucidChart is a cloud-based diagramming tool that supports real-time collaboration. It is used for creating flowcharts, process maps, and other types of diagrams. LucidChart offers robust integration with other tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office, enhancing its utility in collaborative environments.

PowerBI

PowerBI is a business analytics tool by Microsoft that allows users to visualise data and share insights across their organization. It connects to a wide range of data sources and provides interactive dashboards and reports.

Tableau

Tableau is a powerful data visualisation tool that helps users create interactive and shareable dashboards. It can connect to various data sources and provides advanced features for data analysis and visualisation.

R:

R is a programming language and software environment used for statistical computing and graphics. It is widely used in data analysis, statistical modelling, and data visualisation.

SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is used for managing and querying relational databases. Business analysts use SQL to extract, manipulate, and analyse data stored in databases.

Python

Python is a versatile programming language widely used for data analysis, automation, and scripting. It offers libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib for data manipulation and visualisation.

Beyond the tech tools, communication and collaboration are paramount,” said Folorunso.

“Business analysts must be able to articulate complex data insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, collaborate effectively with stakeholders, and demonstrate active listening and strong interpersonal skills.”

Understanding the business domain is equally important. “Business acumen involves grasping the business objectives, translating needs into actionable requirements, and thinking strategically,” Folorunso expounded.