Interface Analysis with Worked Out Example

Written by LN Mishra, CBAP, CBDA, AAC & CCA | 6/27/23 9:32 AM

Introduction

Interface analysis is an important business analysis technique. In this blog, we will understand what interface analysis is using a real-life example using Adaptive’s GRCPerfect solution.

Before we get into interface analysis, let’s first understand the term “interface.”

What is an interface?

An interface is a connection between two components or solutions. Identify interfaces and interactions between solutions and/or solution components. Interface types are:

User interfaces - Users interacting with the system plus reports.
Data interfaces between systems.
Application programming interfaces (APIs).
Hardware devices.
Business processes.
External partners.

What is analysis?

Analysis involves understanding something in-depth. Analysis often involves applying the 5WH principle – Who, Why, What, When, Where, and How.

What is Interface analysis?

Interface analysis delves into understanding the details of any specific interface. Such as,

Why is the interface needed? Why will business analysts use the interface?
What information will be exchanged? When will information be exchanged?
How frequently? Where will information exchange occur?
How interface should be implemented?

Steps for Interface Analysis:

Prepare for interface analysis

Utilize techniques like document analysis, observation, scope modeling (Use case model), interviews, etc., to understand which interfaces need to be identified.

Identify interfaces

Identify interfaces that are needed in the future for each stakeholder or system that interacts with the system. Describe the function of the interface, assess usage, evaluate the suitable type, and elicit details about the interface.

Define interfaces

Include name, exchange method between entities, message format, exchange frequency, etc.

Strengths

Helps in identifying stakeholders for elicitation.
Early identification leads to increased functional coverage.
Interface specifications provide a structured means of allocating requirements, business rules, and constraints to the solution.
Avoids over-analysis of fine details owing to its broad application.

Limitations

Does not provide insight into internal components / other aspects of the solution.

Interface Analysis Worked out Example

Through an example, let us learn how business analysts use a glossary. Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) management system is developed for the ITES and IT domain. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) management system has various features, one of which is to plan and track programs and projects using standards such as CMMI, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, etc. Its main objective is to help companies implement Governance, Quality, and Information Security Management Systems in an integrated manner.

The proposed GRC system needs to interface with the company’s ERP system, which is Oracle Apps. The following data mapping table defines the interface between Oracle Apps and the GRC system.

Interface Name	Data to be interfaced	Frequency of update	Time of updates
Oracle Apps	Project master Employee master	Once a day	Mid-night
Oracle Apps	Timesheet	Once in a week	Saturday - 12 PM
Attendance system	Swipe data	Once a day	Mid-night

Data mapping

Source system: Oracle Apps		Transformation rules	Destination: Governance, Risk, and Compliance management
Entity Name	Attribute Name		Entity Name	Attribute Name
Employee Master	Employee First Name Employee Middle Name Employee Last Name	Concatenate First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name Transfer only Active employees	HR	Name
Employee Master	Employee Role		HR	Role
Employee Master	Employee Blood Group		HR	Blood Group
Employee Master	Employee Passport	Pick the latest record	HR	Passport
Employee Master	Employee Passport Expiry Date	Pick the latest record	HR	Passport Expiry Date
Employee Master	Employee Status		HR	Status
Employee Master	House Number		Address	House Number
Employee Master	Address 1		Address	Address 1
Employee Master	Address 2		Address	Address 2
Employee Master	City		Address	City
Employee Master	State		Address	State
Employee Master	Country		Address	Country

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