The BA Shift: How client demands and AI are reshaping the way Business Analysis Process in IT.

As client expectations evolve and technology continues to disrupt the way businesses operate, the role of a Business Analyst has shifted dramatically. Shibna, one of our senior Business Analysts, shares her perspective on how the BA role is adapting, the impact of AI, and the challenges of bridging business needs with technology in today’s fast-moving landscape.

Q: What is the role of a Business Analyst in the software industry today?

With AI now in everyone’s hands, business analysis has become both exciting and challenging. Clients are more informed and come with mature, ambitious ideas, while development teams face added complexity as AI and automation are now part of almost every project. The BA’s role is to balance these perspectives by clearly capturing the client’s vision and ensuring the team can deliver it effectively. The role has become absolutely critical today, and it demands continuous learning and adaptability to keep up with the pace of change.

Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve observed in client expectations over the years?

I have noticed that clients now care more about results and value, not just getting a solution. They want things done faster but also expect to be involved and see what’s happening along the way. Today, clients also expect transparency at every stage, which makes communication more important than ever.

Q: How has the Business Analyst role adapted to meet those changes?

Earlier, the role focused mostly on writing documents. Now, it’s more about working with the team, collaborating, and helping shape the product. We go beyond just requirements and take part in creating the solution. The BA is now seen as a strategic partner who adds value beyond documentation.

Q: Do you feel team productivity has kept pace with rising client demands?

Yes and no. Tools and agile methods have helped the team be more productive, but client demands keep growing. It’s all about finding balance, focusing on the right work, communicating clearly, and keeping the team aligned. The key is constantly adjusting priorities, so productivity matches client expectations.

Q: How do you personally approach balancing speed with quality and value?

For me, it starts with knowing what’s most important. I focus on small wins first and improve things along the way, so the client sees progress without losing sight of long-term value. It’s about being quick when it makes sense, but not cutting corners. That way, progress feels consistent without compromising standards.

Q: Which industry shifts are having the biggest impact on how BAs work today?

Digital transformation, AI tools, and a focus on better customer experiences have changed how we work. Remote collaboration has also become normal, which affects how we gather requirements and work with stakeholders. These shifts require BAs to be more flexible and digitally savvy than ever before.

Q: Have you noticed clients becoming more involved, or expecting BAs to be more independent?

It’s both. Clients want to take part in decisions, but they also expect us to work independently. So, as a BA, I balance working with them and taking initiative on my own. This dual expectation makes adaptability a critical skill for the role.

Q: How are AI and automation reshaping your day-to-day work as a BA?

AI is taking away some of the repetitive work like documentation and reporting, which is great because it frees up time. I can then focus on strategic thinking, analyzing data, and making sure solutions fit the bigger picture. This allows me to spend more time solving complex business problems.

Q: In today’s market, how do clients define success for a BA’s contribution?

I think success is when the business goals and the tech solution actually match. If requirements are clear, there’s less rework, and the final product brings real value, that’s when clients see the true impact of a BA. True success is when the solution delivers measurable improvements for the business.

Q: What’s the toughest challenge you face when bridging business needs with technology?

The hardest part is turning business ideas into something the development team can build. On top of that, different stakeholders often have different priorities, so I’m always balancing what’s possible with what the business really needs. Navigating those differences while keeping the vision intact is the biggest challenge.

Q: Do you see AI replacing Business Analysts in the future, or simply changing the role?

I don’t see AI replacing us. It’s more about changing how we work. AI can help with analysis, but things like understanding context can’t be automated. The BA role will keep evolving, and strategic thinking will remain a human strength. Instead, AI will elevate the BA role by freeing us to focus on higher-value contributions.