In digital transformations, the focus is often on the latest technology, delivery methodologies, shiny new AI tools, and cool services. Businesses invest heavily in new platforms, cloud adoption, and data-driven solutions, all with the goal of improving efficiency and staying competitive. Yet, despite all this investment, many fail to deliver the expected value. Deadlines slip, costs overrun, and business users are left frustrated with solutions that don’t quite meet their needs.
One of the key reasons for this disconnect is the lack of focus on business analysis. Too often organisations view Business Analysts as administrative support rather than the strategic enablers they are. However, as we at Lean Tree know, when business analysis is done right, it becomes the glue that holds a transformation project together, enabling technology that delivers real business value.
The Critical Link Between the Business and IT
Business Analysts often get a bad reputation for simply gathering requirements and documenting processes. In reality, they play a much deeper role, acting as the conduit between business teams and technical delivery functions. They take business challenges and translate them into structured, actionable insights that Developers, Testers, and Architects can use to build the right solutions.
Business Analysts are invaluable because they bridge the gap between technical and business teams. They ensure that technical teams grasp the organisation’s true needs, going beyond simply executing what’s written in a specification. Furthermore, they help business stakeholders make informed decisions about the trade-offs and constraints of different technical approaches. Without this vital translation, misunderstandings arise, projects lose momentum, and the result often fails to meet expectations.
The Hidden Risks of Overlooking Business Analysis
When business analysis is not given the attention it deserves, the consequences can be severe. A lack of clarity around requirements often leads to defects and rework, as development teams build solutions that don’t fully align with user needs. Poorly defined or understood business processes can cause bottlenecks and inefficiencies that slow project delivery. Perhaps most critically, without a Business Analyst acting as a champion for the business, engagement from key stakeholders can disappear, leading to low adoption and resistance to change when the new systems and processes are implemented.
In a recent Lean Tree programme with a major retailer, we illustrated the difference that strong business analysis can make. The digital transformation involved significant changes to internal processes and customer-facing technology. Our Business Analysts didn’t just document the current state and capture requirements; they embedded themselves in the organisation, built relationships with key people, and uncovered challenges that had previously gone unnoticed. We ensured that these were addressed in a timely manner and paved the way for a smooth transition, leading to a successful and widely adopted transformation.
The Business Analyst as the Driver of Transformation Success
A well-placed and empowered Business Analyst does much more than facilitate workshops and write requirements. They act as the catalyst that keeps the project moving, ensuring that the right conversations happen at the right time. They remove roadblocks by resolving ambiguity, challenging assumptions, and aligning stakeholders around common goals.
Our Business Analysts bring a fresh and unbiased perspective that allows them to ask the questions others might overlook. This way of thinking is invaluable in digital transformations, where entrenched ways of working can often be the biggest barrier to change within an organisation.
Is Business Analysis the Most Overlooked Skill in Digital Transformations?
What we can say, is that at Lean Tree we take business analysis seriously. We understand that the success of a digital transformation depends on more than just technology. We know it requires a deep understanding of business needs, clear communication, and a structured approach to change. Our team of experienced Business Analysts and Business Change Professionals ensure that projects are not only delivered on time and within budget but also create lasting value for the business.
Returning to the original question, can we say that business analysis is the most overlooked skill in digital transformation? That will depend on your views and experience with business analysis. Hopefully this article has helped you to understand the role of business analysis and appreciate how it could be a crucial component of your next project.
Need Help Bridging the Gap?
If you are planning your next IT transformation and want to ensure it delivers the results you need, we would love to start a conversation. Reach out to us today to discuss how our Business Analysts can help bridge the gap between business and technology in your organisation.
