sf-agent-framework

# Business Analysis Techniques for Salesforce ## Overview This guide covers essential business analysis techniques specifically tailored for Salesforce implementations. ## Requirements Elicitation Techniques ### Interviews - **One-on-One Interviews**: Deep dive with key stakeholders - **Group Interviews**: Gather diverse perspectives simultaneously - **Structured Interviews**: Predefined questions for consistency - **Unstructured Interviews**: Open-ended exploration - **SME Interviews**: Technical and domain expertise ### Workshops - **Requirements Workshops**: Collaborative requirements gathering - **JAD Sessions**: Joint Application Development - **Design Thinking Workshops**: Innovation-focused sessions - **Process Mapping Workshops**: Visual process documentation - **Prioritization Workshops**: MoSCoW and other techniques ### Observation Techniques - **Job Shadowing**: Follow users through their day - **Time and Motion Studies**: Efficiency analysis - **Ethnographic Studies**: Cultural and behavioral insights - **Silent Observation**: Minimal interference approach - **Participatory Observation**: Hands-on involvement ### Document Analysis - **Existing System Documentation**: Current state understanding - **Process Documents**: Standard operating procedures - **Reports and Analytics**: Data-driven insights - **Regulatory Documents**: Compliance requirements - **Historical Data**: Trend analysis ## Analysis Techniques ### Process Analysis - **As-Is Process Mapping**: Current state documentation - **To-Be Process Design**: Future state vision - **Gap Analysis**: Identify transformation needs - **Value Stream Mapping**: End-to-end value flow - **SIPOC Diagrams**: Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers ### Data Analysis - **Entity Relationship Diagrams**: Data model visualization - **Data Flow Diagrams**: Information movement - **Data Dictionary**: Comprehensive data documentation - **Data Quality Assessment**: Accuracy, completeness, consistency - **Data Volume Analysis**: Sizing and performance planning ### Business Rules Analysis - **Decision Tables**: Complex logic documentation - **Decision Trees**: Visual decision flows - **Business Rules Catalog**: Comprehensive rule inventory - **Validation Rules**: Data integrity requirements - **Calculation Rules**: Formula and computation logic ## Modeling Techniques ### Process Modeling - **BPMN**: Business Process Model and Notation - **Flowcharts**: Simple process visualization - **Swimlane Diagrams**: Role-based process views - **Activity Diagrams**: UML-based process modeling - **State Diagrams**: Object lifecycle modeling ### Data Modeling - **Conceptual Models**: High-level business entities - **Logical Models**: Detailed attributes and relationships - **Physical Models**: Salesforce object implementation - **Dimensional Models**: Analytics and reporting structures - **Master Data Models**: Golden record definitions ### Use Case Modeling - **Use Case Diagrams**: Actor-system interactions - **Use Case Specifications**: Detailed scenarios - **User Stories**: Agile requirement format - **Acceptance Criteria**: Definition of done - **Exception Scenarios**: Error handling paths ## Prioritization Techniques ### MoSCoW Method - **Must Have**: Critical for launch - **Should Have**: Important but not vital - **Could Have**: Desirable if time permits - **Won't Have**: Out of scope for this release ### Value vs. Effort Matrix - **Quick Wins**: High value, low effort - **Major Projects**: High value, high effort - **Fill-Ins**: Low value, low effort - **Avoid**: Low value, high effort ### Weighted Scoring - **Business Value**: Revenue, cost savings, efficiency - **Technical Complexity**: Development effort - **Risk Level**: Implementation and adoption risks - **Dependencies**: Prerequisites and constraints - **Strategic Alignment**: Organizational goals ## Stakeholder Analysis ### Stakeholder Mapping - **Power/Interest Grid**: Influence vs. engagement level - **RACI Matrix**: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed - **Stakeholder Register**: Comprehensive contact list - **Communication Matrix**: Who needs what, when - **Engagement Strategy**: Tailored approach per stakeholder ### Persona Development - **User Personas**: Representative user profiles - **Day-in-the-Life**: Typical user journeys - **Pain Points**: Current frustrations and challenges - **Goals and Motivations**: What drives users - **Technical Proficiency**: Skill level considerations ## Requirements Documentation ### Business Requirements Document (BRD) - **Executive Summary**: High-level overview - **Business Objectives**: Strategic goals - **Scope Statement**: In-scope and out-of-scope - **Success Criteria**: Measurable outcomes - **Assumptions and Constraints**: Key considerations ### Functional Requirements Specification (FRS) - **Feature Descriptions**: Detailed functionality - **User Interface Requirements**: Screen layouts and navigation - **Business Rules**: Logic and calculations - **Data Requirements**: Fields, objects, relationships - **Integration Requirements**: System connections ### User Story Format ``` As a [role] I want [feature] So that [benefit] Acceptance Criteria: - Given [context] - When [action] - Then [outcome] ``` ## Validation Techniques ### Reviews and Walkthroughs - **Requirement Reviews**: Stakeholder validation - **Design Reviews**: Technical feasibility - **Prototype Reviews**: Visual validation - **Test Case Reviews**: Coverage assessment - **Documentation Reviews**: Completeness check ### Prototyping - **Paper Prototypes**: Low-fidelity sketches - **Wireframes**: Digital mockups - **Interactive Prototypes**: Clickable demos - **Salesforce Prototypes**: Actual platform builds - **Proof of Concepts**: Technical feasibility ## Gap Analysis Techniques ### Fit-Gap Analysis - **Standard Functionality**: Out-of-the-box features - **Configuration Needs**: Point-and-click customization - **Custom Development**: Code requirements - **Third-Party Solutions**: AppExchange or external - **Process Changes**: Business adaptation needs ### Current vs. Future State - **Capability Gaps**: Missing functionality - **Process Gaps**: Workflow differences - **Data Gaps**: Information requirements - **Integration Gaps**: System connections - **Performance Gaps**: Speed and scalability ## Risk Analysis ### Risk Identification - **Technical Risks**: Platform limitations, complexity - **Business Risks**: Adoption, change resistance - **Project Risks**: Timeline, budget, resources - **Data Risks**: Quality, migration, privacy - **Integration Risks**: Third-party dependencies ### Risk Assessment - **Probability Rating**: Likelihood of occurrence - **Impact Rating**: Severity if realized - **Risk Score**: Probability × Impact - **Risk Register**: Comprehensive risk inventory - **Mitigation Strategies**: Prevention and response plans ## Metrics and KPIs ### Process Metrics - **Cycle Time**: End-to-end process duration - **Throughput**: Volume processed per period - **Error Rate**: Quality indicators - **Automation Rate**: Manual vs. automated steps - **Cost per Transaction**: Efficiency measure ### Adoption Metrics - **User Login Frequency**: System usage - **Feature Adoption Rate**: Functionality utilization - **Data Quality Scores**: Information accuracy - **Process Compliance**: Adherence to designed workflows - **User Satisfaction**: Survey results ## Communication Techniques ### Visual Communication - **Infographics**: Data visualization - **Journey Maps**: User experience flows - **Heat Maps**: Usage and problem areas - **Dashboards**: Real-time metrics - **Storyboards**: Scenario illustration ### Written Communication - **Executive Summaries**: Concise overviews - **Status Reports**: Regular updates - **Issue Logs**: Problem tracking - **Decision Logs**: Choice documentation - **Meeting Minutes**: Action items and decisions ## Change Impact Analysis ### Organizational Impact - **Role Changes**: New responsibilities - **Skill Requirements**: Training needs - **Process Changes**: Workflow modifications - **Cultural Shifts**: Mindset adjustments - **Reporting Structure**: Organizational adjustments ### System Impact - **Data Model Changes**: Object and field modifications - **Integration Changes**: API and middleware updates - **Security Changes**: Access and permissions - **Performance Impact**: Speed and scalability - **Compliance Impact**: Regulatory considerations ## Best Practices ### Requirements Management - Version control all documents - Maintain traceability matrix - Regular stakeholder validation - Clear acceptance criteria - Baseline and change control ### Stakeholder Engagement - Regular communication cadence - Tailored messaging per audience - Active listening techniques - Conflict resolution strategies - Continuous feedback loops ### Documentation Standards - Consistent templates - Clear naming conventions - Accessible storage location - Regular updates - Approval workflows