Business Requirements Specification

A clearly articulated, accurate and definitive Business Requirements Specification (BRS) will ensure that information systems are tightly aligned with business outcomes and meet business expectations.

EEI’s business analysts help clearly define business requirements by undertaking business process mapping, identifying interface points between business areas and facilitating internal process improvement opportunities, as one of the first stages of our software and solution development process.

Producing Requirements Specifications – The BRS must provide sufficient detail to allow the market to respond, while allowing room for innovation where appropriate. EEI business analysts normally use an Output Based Specification or OBS that focuses on what is required, not on how a vendor is to provide it. This challenges potential bidders and gives them latitude to develop innovative solutions. It is important to note that in certain instances it is essential to specify exactly what is required in detail e.g. for legal compliance initiatives such as SEC 17a 3 & 4.

Performance measures and limits should be included as part of the Requirements Specification – how to confirm quality, etc. The EEI BRS will also suggest ways in which the requirement might be implemented – one package of work, several phases etc.

For EEI Software Development and Integration Initiatives:  

 1. Phased implementations are the norm – proposed use of 'big bang' implementations must be justified;

2. Serious consideration will always be given to the use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software in preference to ‘from scratch’ development initiatives.