What is the role of a member of a software development team who specializes in modeling existing systems called?

A member of a software development team who specializes in modeling existing systems is referred to as a Systems Analyst. The primary role of a Systems Analyst involves understanding and analyzing business requirements and existing systems to create models that represent the functionalities, processes, and data flows of those systems. They work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure that the models they create accurately reflect the needs of the users and the business context.

Systems Analysts often use techniques such as data modeling, process modeling, and use case development to visualize and document system behavior. This analysis is crucial when it comes to identifying areas for improvement or designing new systems that integrate well with existing infrastructure. Their expertise helps facilitate communication between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the project goals. This makes their role vital in any software development lifecycle, particularly in the requirements gathering and analysis phases.