What are the two responsibilities of an automation business analyst during the process analysis stage?

During the process analysis stage, one of the key responsibilities of an automation business analyst is to document the as-is and to-be process descriptions and create the process definition document (PDD). This responsibility is fundamentally important because it helps establish a clear understanding of the current state of business processes (as-is) and the desired future state (to-be). The PDD serves as a cornerstone for the entire automation initiative, outlining the processes in detail, identifying gaps, and setting the stage for how automation can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

This documentation allows stakeholders to visualize the processes, ensures consistency in understanding, and facilitates communication among teams, which is critical for successful project implementation. It acts as a reference point that guides the project throughout its life cycle, enabling clearer decision-making and alignment on project goals, objectives, and deliverables.

The other responsibilities mentioned, while important, do not focus primarily on the initial analysis of processes in the way that documenting the as-is and to-be processes does. For example, creating a UAT plan or a business case involves later stages of project development, as does collaborating on the solution design document.