“Let’s add AI” is not a requirement. It’s a vague wish that can turn into a costly prototype, a security headache, or an embarrassing production incident if the basics aren’t defined up front.  Business Analysts are in the best position to prevent that outcome...

An inflection point. A forcing function. A once-per-civilization opportunity to prove that human judgment, contextual understanding, and adaptive intelligence remain indispensable even as artificial intelligence transforms everything around us.

You're not preparing for 2027.

You're defining it.

Act accordingly.

This article describes using a Requirements-Friendly Data Dictionary (RFDD) as an alternative to representing a software solution’s data-related requirements as User Stories, Use Cases, or traditional Waterfall Requirement statements. Any of these forms can still be used to document the solution’s functional requirements. An RFDD spreadsheet-based template or extended requirements management tool (RMT) provides a structured format that supports a business analyst documenting required Record and Field details while eliciting functional requirements.

For business analysts, those unsung heroes who sift through mountains of information to guide corporate decisions, data privacy emerges as an unexpected ally. It's the secret weapon that not only protects against breaches and fines but also actively forges unbreakable bonds of trust with customers. This isn't about fearmongering over scandals or reciting dry compliance rules; it's about reimagining privacy as the foundation of enduring loyalty in a sceptical marketplace.

Learn a simple, practical method for turning vague wishes like “the system must be fast and secure” into concrete, testable non-functional requirements that developers, testers, and ops actually use. This article walks through step-by-step techniques, real-world examples (performance, security, usability, operability), and a quick checklist you can apply to your current projects.