System Integration - Interface Requirements
In today’s world, it has become a common practice to connect applications within the Enterprise or, to reach outside the Enterprise, to connect with Supplier, Vendor and other Business Partners who may be in the same city, same country or, across countries or, continents. We build these interfaces to execute Business Processes efficiently, effectively and securely.
Integrating Systems across Enterprises require due diligence and attention to details. Business Analyst need to understand the rationale, why two systems need to connect, what information is being exchanged and who needs to be part of cross functional discussions.
One of the key stakeholders would be Corporate Security so, they can overlook the entire process and provide security guidelines on what and how much information need to be shared. What information can travel through Public Network and what must pass through Secured Network.
We would then require Network Engineers, to establish Connectivity Requirements between the two systems. In some case(s) System Administrators may also, add value. As we establish requirements for Firewall, VPN, PORT, SOURCE and Destination IP addresses and both System names and credentials for the users.
There are company that may prefer to use NATed IP Network address translation (NAT) is a method not to expose real IP address which is done by remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device.
Information is not always exchanged in real-time and information can also be exchanged by transferring file from one system to other within the same Enterprise or, across for further processing.
Testing of System Interfaces is the key to successfully deploy connectivity across systems. As such, it is critical that the Test is planned carefully.
All hands on deck and preferably the end to end testing be conducted over Conference Bridge and WEB Collaboration so everyone knows what’s happening at any given time. This practice will save time and frustration and reduce unnecessary emails going back and forth
As a Business Analyst on a project it’s important that you have clear understanding from end to end and accordingly, secure the right resources.
The Business Analyst is never a know-all person but a good BA has the ability to bring in the right SME (Subject Matter Experts) around the table.
