What is the purpose of the systems analysis phase in a systems development life cycle (SDLC)?

The systems analysis phase in the systems development life cycle (SDLC) primarily focuses on understanding the needs and requirements of the users and the system's functional requirements. During this phase, analysts work to create a logical model of the new system, delineating how it should operate based on the gathered requirements.

Developing a logical model allows for clear visualization of how the new system will process data, make decisions, and interact with users. It establishes the framework and guidelines that will inform the actual development and implementation phases that follow. Creating this logical representation is crucial for ensuring that the end product aligns with the users' needs and expectations.

While gathering user requirements is a significant part of the systems analysis phase and is closely related to the creation of a logical model, the ultimate goal of this step is to formalize how those requirements translate into a functioning system. The other phases—implementation and user training—occur subsequently and are based on the foundational work accomplished in the analysis phase.