The term ‘implementation subject matter expert’ refers to a professional who possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in the practical application of a specific field, in this case, business analysis. This individual is not only well-versed in the theoretical aspects of business analysis but also understands how to apply these theories in real-world situations to achieve desired business outcomes.
Business analysis is a research discipline that involves identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Solutions often include a systems development component, but may also consist of process improvements, organizational change, or strategic planning and policy development. The person who carries out this task is known as a business analyst or BA.
Role of an Implementation Subject Matter Expert in Business Analysis
An implementation subject matter expert plays a crucial role in business analysis. They are responsible for ensuring that the proposed solutions are not only feasible but also practical. They understand the business environment, the needs of the business, and how the proposed solutions can meet these needs.
Furthermore, they are instrumental in the implementation phase of the business analysis process. They work closely with the business analyst and other stakeholders to ensure that the solutions are implemented correctly and that they deliver the expected benefits. They also provide training and support to the users of the new systems or processes.
Expertise in the Business Environment
An implementation subject matter expert has a deep understanding of the business environment. They understand the market trends, the competitive landscape, the regulatory environment, and other factors that may affect the business. This knowledge enables them to provide valuable insights during the business analysis process.
They can identify potential challenges and opportunities in the business environment and suggest solutions that are aligned with the business strategy. Their expertise in the business environment is crucial in ensuring that the proposed solutions are not only feasible but also sustainable in the long term.
Understanding of Business Needs
An implementation subject matter expert understands the needs of the business. They work closely with the business analyst to identify the business needs and determine the best solutions to meet these needs. They understand the business processes, the business goals, and the business strategy.
They use this understanding to evaluate the proposed solutions and ensure that they are aligned with the business needs. They also play a crucial role in the prioritization of the business needs. They help the business analyst and other stakeholders to prioritize the needs based on their impact on the business and the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Skills and Competencies of an Implementation Subject Matter Expert
An implementation subject matter expert possesses a unique set of skills and competencies that enable them to excel in their role. These skills and competencies include technical skills, business skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and project management skills.
Technical skills are crucial for an implementation subject matter expert. They need to understand the technical aspects of the proposed solutions and how they can be implemented in the business environment. They need to be familiar with the latest technologies and how they can be leveraged to improve business processes and achieve business goals.
Business Skills
Business skills are also essential for an implementation subject matter expert. They need to understand the business environment, the business strategy, and the business processes. They need to be able to evaluate the proposed solutions from a business perspective and ensure that they are aligned with the business strategy and goals.
They also need to understand the financial aspects of the proposed solutions. They need to be able to evaluate the financial feasibility of the solutions and their potential impact on the business’s bottom line.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are crucial for an implementation subject matter expert. They need to be able to communicate effectively with the business analyst, the stakeholders, and the users of the new systems or processes. They need to be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical people can understand.
They also need to be able to facilitate effective communication between the technical team and the business team. They need to ensure that both teams understand each other’s needs and expectations and that they are working towards the same goals.
Role in the Implementation Phase
The implementation phase is a crucial part of the business analysis process, and the implementation subject matter expert plays a key role in this phase. They are responsible for ensuring that the proposed solutions are implemented correctly and that they deliver the expected benefits.
They work closely with the business analyst and the technical team to oversee the implementation of the solutions. They ensure that the solutions are implemented according to the agreed plan and that they meet the specified requirements. They also provide support and training to the users of the new systems or processes.
Overseeing the Implementation
Overseeing the implementation of the proposed solutions is a key responsibility of the implementation subject matter expert. They work closely with the technical team to ensure that the solutions are implemented according to the agreed plan. They monitor the progress of the implementation and ensure that any issues or challenges are addressed promptly.
They also work closely with the business analyst to ensure that the solutions meet the specified requirements. They review the solutions to ensure that they are aligned with the business needs and that they deliver the expected benefits. They also ensure that the solutions are sustainable and that they can be maintained and supported in the long term.
Providing Support and Training
Providing support and training to the users of the new systems or processes is another key responsibility of the implementation subject matter expert. They ensure that the users are adequately trained and that they are comfortable with the new systems or processes.
They provide ongoing support to the users and address any issues or challenges that they may encounter. They also gather feedback from the users and use this feedback to improve the systems or processes. Their goal is to ensure that the users are able to use the new systems or processes effectively and that they deliver the expected benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an implementation subject matter expert plays a crucial role in business analysis. They bring a unique set of skills and competencies to the table, including technical skills, business skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and project management skills. They are instrumental in the implementation phase of the business analysis process, ensuring that the proposed solutions are implemented correctly and that they deliver the expected benefits.
They work closely with the business analyst and other stakeholders to ensure that the solutions are aligned with the business needs and that they are sustainable in the long term. They also provide support and training to the users of the new systems or processes, ensuring that they are able to use the systems or processes effectively and that they deliver the expected benefits.
