System Interface Table
System Interface Tables are intricate models specifically designed to capture detailed-level requirements for a single system interface. They act as a critical tool in the Business Analysis body of knowledge for representing interface-related requirements and acceptance criteria. System Interface Tables offer a structure to systematically document the exchange of data and rules between interfacing systems in a solution ecosystem.
Context and Timing
System Interface Tables typically come into the picture after the ecosystem map and context diagram have been developed. These earlier artifacts identify what systems will interface with the solution system, thus setting the stage for the development of System Interface Tables.
Structure and Components
The table is usually arranged in a tabular format that includes specific attributes to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the interface. These attributes may include:
Source System
Identifies the system from which the data originates.
Target System
Specifies the system which is the end recipient of the data.
Data Fields
Details on the type of data that will be transferred from the source to the target system.
Volume of Data Passed
Specifies the quantity and rate at which data will be transferred between systems.
Frequency
Indicates how often the data transfer occurs, whether it's real-time, batch processing, daily, etc.
Security or Other Rules
Defines any security measures or rules that need to be in place for the data transfer to occur securely.
Validation Rules
Outlines the requirements needed to ensure the data are passed and stored accurately and effectively.
Usage and Application
System Interface Tables serve the primary function of specifying the details for each interface within a solution's ecosystem. They are typically comprehensive enough to represent actual interface requirements, negating the need for additional requirements documentation related to the interface.
Relationship to Requirements
While it's generally thought that requirements need to be written out in a detailed fashion, System Interface Tables are unique in that they themselves are detailed enough to represent the actual interface requirements. They are effectively stand-alone artifacts that cover every critical aspect of an interface, thus eliminating the necessity for parallel or supplementary requirements documents.
Example Scenario
An example provided in the Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide involves a System Interface Table between a grocery store and a customer's mobile device. In this scenario, the table would specify the nature, frequency, and rules for transferring data like store information and recipes from the grocery store's system to the customer's mobile device.
Conclusion
System Interface Tables are an invaluable asset in business analysis for detailing system interface requirements. By capturing a wealth of information ranging from the data fields to validation rules, they serve as a comprehensive model to ensure that all interface-related requirements are adequately addressed. This ensures that crucial details about the interface, such as the volume of data passed and security protocols, are not overlooked.