An enterprise systems analyst is an IT expert that manages enterprise information systems for organizations. This particular IT position requires a strong background in programming, application support and information systems management.
What are Enterprise Information Systems?
An enterprise information system (EIS) is a program that is designed to facilitate business process integration. Enterprise information systems are virtual platforms that allow companies to integrate different departments and business processes into a centralized system that is accessible to all employees. Using this system would replace multiple independent systems that are unable to interact with each other. For example, the enterprise system would integrate the entire sales process into one standardized location that would show pre-sales information, sales orders, inventory levels, invoices and customer service documentation. Enterprise information systems are a proven way of increasing quality, productivity, and efficiency. They also decrease miscommunication and service cycles. All of this is accomplished through enterprise systems analysts.
Enterprise Systems Analysts
Enterprise systems analysts are tasked with maintaining all aspects of enterprise information systems and processes. This involves continually redefining the system scopes and objectives according to changing market and business needs. This is accomplished through in-depth research and cooperation with management personnel. Enterprise systems analysts must consonantly compare business implications of the technology against customer needs and industry trends. Enterprise systems analysts seek to standardize processes into a centralized system architecture. Anyone working as a computer systems analyst will have a computer-related degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some employers prefer job candidates to have a master’s in business administration or information systems.
Project Management
Enterprise systems analysts typically spend a lot of time working on both small and large projects. They must work with management personnel to identify appropriate resources, develop schedules and report on work progress. This will involve identifying and resolving functional or operational issues. In addition to tracking project tasks and phases, they must ensure rigorous user and system testing in order to guarantee consistent business processes. Enterprise systems analysts work closely with the IT department to provide support and guidance with the goal of improving system efficiency. They must also work with vendors and contractors during major projects and evaluate their performance against project objectives.
Quality Control Management
Enterprise systems analysts must regularly perform quality assurance related tasks. For example, they develop and carry out quality control procedures designed to ensure that all information systems meet the appropriate standards and end user requirements. This may create software tests in order to ensure proper operation and reduce user difficulties. They may also benchmark system performance in order to increase efficiency and system responsiveness. Whenever there are major changes, they must communicate updated standards to employees. Therefore, they must have excellent communication, organization and training skills in order to help employees learn and adapt to changes.
Application Support
Functional and technical related application support is a large part of an enterprise systems analysts’ job. They must rapidly respond to and diagnose problems through collaboration with end users and the IT department. This includes research, documentation and systems analysis. Therefore, they must be proficient users with different functional processes. They also provide technical support through preparing update proposals, gathering metric data and performing fact finding to support system modifications. Finally, they provide technical support for database schemas, program modules and system architecture.
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Looking back, enterprise systems analysts oversee the operation of enterprise information systems. Enterprise systems analysts are tasked with integrating the systems, developing new functionality, troubleshooting problems and providing application support.