To evaluate what aspect of a system does a system analyst require future volume information?

A system analyst requires future volume information primarily to assess scalability. Scalability refers to the ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to accommodate growth. By understanding future volume expectations—such as user load, data storage requirements, or transaction volume—the analyst can determine whether the system architecture can support increases without sacrificing performance or requiring a complete redesign.

A system designed with scalability in mind can adjust to increased loads by adding resources or upgrading components gradually. This foresight is critical in ensuring that as the demand on the system changes, it can efficiently expand and manage greater volume without compromising functionality or user experience.

Usability, maintainability, and performance, while important aspects of system design, are more focused on user interactions, ease of updates and repairs, and overall system efficiency under current conditions, respectively. Therefore, future volume information is specifically pivotal for evaluating a system's scalability.