Importance of analysts in successful software projects

Our work often goes unnoticed, yet we are there at both the beginning and the end of every feature. The role of an analyst, especially a technical one, is to connect the vision, user needs, and technical possibilities in a way that ensures smooth development and a meaningful final product.

Technical analyst in practice

As analysts in application development, we are present at the very birth of every feature, from gathering requirements and documenting them all the way to delivery in production. Our job is to understand what needs to be built, why it makes sense, and how it fits into the existing solution.

Our work includes:

• gathering and analyzing requirements,
• asking the right questions and uncovering inconsistencies,
• creating and maintaining technical specifications,
• designing edge-case scenarios (e.g., server outages, empty lists, invalid inputs),
• collaborating on design,
• visualizing complex processes through diagrams,
• providing ongoing support during development and testing,
• facilitating communication and coordination between teams and stakeholders,
• guiding the client on technical feasibility,
• assisting the project manager with estimations and cost calculations.

What does a day in the life of an analyst look like?

The day usually starts with checking emails and responding to questions from the team or the client. Then comes the standup, where we help provide clarity and make sure everything is moving in the right direction.

The rest of the day is a mix of detailed work and coordination:

• fine-tuning bug reports,
• writing and updating specifications,
• preparing refinements,
• creating tasks for developers, or discussing new features with the client.

An analyst constantly balances between detail and the bigger picture – looking for logical connections as well as those unexpected edge cases that could otherwise cause problems.

Core skills of an analyst

Hard skills

• Fundamentals of technical thinking – understanding API documentation and integrations, as well as the basics of mobile and web application architecture.
• Structure and precision – writing clear specifications that account for exceptions and different system states.
• Tool proficiency – working with various tools (e.g., Notion, Jira, Confluence, Figma, Postman, …) that support us in our daily work.
• Testing and QA collaboration – understanding bug reports.
• Process modeling – creating diagrams.

Soft skills

• Asking questions – lots of them. Not because we don’t understand, but because we want to capture every detail.
• Clear communication – with both business and development. We often act as “translators” between worlds that speak different languages.
• Attention to detail – even small inconsistencies can turn into big issues later. Our goal is to catch them before they become bugs.
• Curiosity with humility – not being afraid to ask, verify, admit mistakes, and do things better.
• Organization and systems thinking – connecting the dots across the system, keeping specifications tidy and up to date.
• Contextual thinking – considering different scenarios (“what if...”).
• Patience and perseverance – digging for answers when requirements aren’t immediately clear.
• Empathy and collaboration – understanding the client’s needs while also respecting developers’ requirements and recommendations.
• Time management – balancing specifications, consultations, daily operations, and meetings without letting things slip through the cracks.

We are a key part of the development process

Designers shape how the product should look and feel for the user. Developers know how to build it so that it’s reliable. The client brings their vision and goals. As technical analysts, we connect these perspectives – we bring clarity, define the details, and help turn an idea into a functional solution without unnecessary misunderstandings. We look for balance between what the client wants, what makes sense for the user, and what is technically feasible.

• The client knows what they want to achieve, but not always how it should work.
• Developers know how to build it, but need to know exactly what to build.
• Designers know how it should look, but need a framework.
• Analysts make sure we’re all pulling in the same direction.

The role of an analyst may be quiet, but it’s essential. We are the bridge between business and development – we understand context, think in connections, and ask the questions that move a project forward. Our work brings clarity to the team, helps prevent mistakes, and saves both time and resources. We are not just “document writers,” but the ones who turn ideas into actionable, workable solutions. That’s why every team should have a dedicated place for an analyst.