Who is a Business Data Analyst, and Why is This Role Important to Businesses Today?

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Published on August 17th, 2022

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The role of data in
today’s business environment is crucial. Data plays a powerful position when it
comes to making critical decisions for businesses. Random forecasting of future
trends has been limited by organizations’ deployment of data-driven decision-making.

When working with
data for businesses, the role of a business data analyst is indispensable.

Let’s understand what
a business data analyst is and what a business data analyst does.

Table of Contents

What is a Business Data Analyst?

Business data
analysts are specialists with a very engaged role in an organization. The role
of the business analyst is confused
with the part of the data analyst; however, depending on the organization, the
difference between a business analyst and
a data analyst can be vast. Professional business data analysts act as a bridge
between the technology domain and the business domain of the organization.

A business data
analyst is responsible for analyzing the business, documenting organizational
processes, evaluating business models, and proposing new technology changes. In
addition to that, a business data analyst is also responsible for improving
existing processes, products, services, and software, executing data analysis,
and identifying gaps that prevail.

Suppose you look at
it from a broader perspective. In such a case, the role of a business data
analyst also means saving money for the business by identifying holes and
fixing the situation using complex data analysis methods. Business data
analysts are also liable for overall business development and expansion. Based
on their research, they need to recognize new avenues and customer bases to
grow their business.

Business Analyst Vs. Data analyst: Is there a difference?

A frequently asked
question is whether data analysts and
business analysts do the same job. Although they seem similar, the answer
is no.

Both experts perform
data analysis and research, but their potential to influence decision-making is
significantly different. In addition, their backgrounds are different, which
puts them in specific situations when it comes to accepting jobs in
corporations.

For more knowledge on
these differences, see the following sections:

Data analyst

A data analyst must
examine large amounts of data to gain new insights and insights. They pay most
of their time constructing and reporting to executives who make the final
decisions.

Additionally, this
specialist’s job requires them to take on more database management and
maintenance responsibilities. This is where analytical and operational duties meet.

Business analyst

In this profession,
the main difference is the emphasis on business strategy. Business analysts
spend more time identifying areas of the business that need improvement than
any other type of analyst. They also look at procedures and note how they could
be improved.

This is a
management-oriented position, and those who hold it have qualifications in
Business Administration and Economics, among others. This expertise permits
these individuals to become qualified in data analytics, which puts them in a
position to pursue careers as business analysts.

This professional’s
ability to direct others gives them the freedom to make their own judgment.
These experts can identify safe and high-potential avenues for businesses based
on their analytics and data-driven insights.

What does a business data analyst do?

“ The Business Data Analyst is responsible for
creating and maintaining various BI reports, analyses, PowerPoint
presentations, data models, and analytical tools that provide analytical data
support for the organization’s different operational competencies.

“ To provide analytical support, Business Data
Analysts must understand the business and information requirements of the
organization or its clients and decode them into BI/analytics/reporting
requirements.

“ A business data analyst’s job description
includes providing actionable insights easily solved by business owners,
clients, etc.; organizing, developing, and maintaining ongoing metrics,
reports, data mining, analytics, dashboards, etc., that provide meaningful and
actionable insights.

“ It also includes supporting appropriate
documentation related to Business Intelligence solutions and systems.

“ Business data analysts investigate, study and
analyze system or process incidents and resolve them.

“ They also recommend process improvement
opportunities to management or the relevant unit.

“ They bring a proactive approach to business
process reengineering, internal control objectives, and best practices to
address business needs, identify and resolve issues, and improve service
levels.

“ The business data analyst job description also
includes providing support in database maintenance and support and performing
several activities, including data entry and cleansing, determining formats,
examining data conversions, establishing data specifications,
configuration/integration, updating resources, and ensuring data integrity.

“ This also means teaching business users how to
interact with the visualizations they create, interpret the results, and
develop reference materials.

“ In addition to coaching business users,
enterprise data analysts also develop and implement training programs and
communication strategies to improve user adoption and efficacy of new and
existing features.

“ Business data analyst role in the project team

“ Business data analysts aren’t just useful for
organizations. They also play a crucial role in the project team. When part of
a team, they act as detectives, looking for the data the team needs to
successfully complete the project. The more skilled the data analyst, the
better. This is primarily true when it comes to creativity and communication
skills.

“ An essential part of a data analyst’s job is
translating data into stories, usually written reports, visual charts, and
graphs. This part of the job requires data analysts to have excellent
communication skills, as they must clearly present their findings to the company’s
decisions.

“ The Business Data Analyst role on the project
team also includes database management and understanding of statistical data
analysis techniques. The position also requires critical thinking and advanced
math skills.

“ An experienced business data analyst can
significantly impact the project team. Organizations can help ensure that
projects are handled expertly by investing in competent data analysts.

Skills needed to become a business data analyst

Below are the basic
necessities to become a business data analyst:

Education:
To work as an enterprise data analyst, individuals must have at least a
bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology/systems, or
business, or a field relevant to the employer

Knowledge:
Applicants must have experience working in a corporate environment. Business
data analysts must have good knowledge of Tableau, Power BI, Domo, SAP, or
other business intelligence tools. Must also present advanced proficiency in
Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Employers are also
seeking individuals with a solid understanding of enterprise applications and
business processes, a solid working knowledge of best data management
practices, and experience implementing and maintaining them. They must also be
familiar with the project management affect life cycle.

Analytical Skills: Business data analysts must be capable of defining
problems, collecting data, finding facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
Analytical skills also help them determine business needs, develop technical requirements,
and offer solutions to business problems using data-driven insights.

Communication Skills: Business data analysts must have exceptional verbal
communication skills to explain technical concepts and procedures to
non-technical users. It also allows them to present their work and adapt the
presentation to the capability of the audience

Detail-oriented: Business data analysts are answerable for the accuracy
and integrity of data, so they must pay attention to data input and output to
ensure accuracy and validity.

Conclusion

The decision-making
methods will become more complex and entirely data-driven as we move into the
digital era. The role of the business data analyst will become indispensable
for any organization that relies on advanced technologies to increase customer
satisfaction.