5 Ways to Use ChatGPT As a Business Analyst

The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 marked a significant milestone for the society. Since its introduction, ChatGPT has rapidly gained traction, attracting a substantial user base of 100 million individuals within just two months. This achievement set a new record for visitor growth in our industry.

Professionals across various sectors have started exploring innovative ways to integrate ChatGPT into their operations. Personally, I have taken an interest in its potential applications in business analytics and sought to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of this tool.

In preparing this article, I conducted research on the topic, scouring online resources for relevant information. While existing examples largely focused on specific use cases, my goal was to highlight the broad spectrum of possibilities presented by ChatGPT.

The outcome of my investigation led me to identify five distinct categories of tasks where ChatGPT can offer valuable assistance. In this article, I provide a concise overview of each of these applications.

1. PlantUML code generation

   
   

Automated code generation through ChatGPT for PlantUML diagrams is a highly innovative feature. ChatGPT has the capability to generate and correct code, including PlantUML code for various diagram types. PlantUML is a tool commonly used for creating UML and other types of diagrams. One of the key advantages of using PlantUML is the reduction in manual work, as editing the code is a more efficient method compared to manually adjusting diagram elements.

In the context of an online shop scenario, let us request ChatGPT to generate the PlantUML sequence diagram depicting the integration process with the Stripe service.

My request is as follows:

Below is the code generated by ChatGPT:

By incorporating this into the online PlantUML editor, we are able to generate a comprehensive high-level sequence diagram that can be further enhanced with additional details.

ChatGPT was able to generate this diagram in just one minute, a task that would undoubtedly require a significant amount of time if done manually.

2. Use cases generation

ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for generating drafts of use cases for your service. It can assist in efficiently completing this task and offer fresh perspectives by identifying scenarios that may not have been previously considered.

The initial request can be formulated as follows:

As a result, ChatGPT provides 15 use cases written in the requested format. Here are a few examples:

3. CJM creation

This task may align more closely with the responsibilities of the Product Owner role; however, Business Analysts may also contribute to the global product strategy planning. In such instances, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool to assist them in their efforts.

I made the request using the following criteria:

The response chatbot provided information on three different types of customers: First-Time Visitors, Regular Shoppers, and Dissatisfied Customers.

You should agree that you need more than 1-2 minutes for preparing a presentation tailored to a specific customer type. By utilizing ChatGPT, you can generate a high-quality draft that can be further customized and enhanced to meet your needs.

4. Documentation draft creation

Utilizing a chatbot is a convenient and rational method for generating documents such as Software Requirement Specifications (SRS). It is important to note that ChatGPT has a tendency to include extraneous details in its output, therefore it is recommended to thoroughly review and edit the text for accuracy and conciseness.

I used the chatbot to generate an initial draft of the SRS for the user account page on our online store.

As a result I got a document containing functional and non-functional requirements and a glossary:

Upon reviewing the requirements, it is evident that some do not align with the SMART criteria and may require editing. This draft can be further enhanced and refined to meet both your and your customer's expectations.

5. Mastering a subject domain

Starting to work in the new subject area, Business Analysts often need advice on this new field of knowledge. ChatGPT can assist in this process by providing tailored advice and creating a personalized development plan. Additionally, references, courses, or a summary of high-level knowledge can be requested to enhance comprehension of the subject matter.

For example, if we decide to introduce coffee as a product in our online shop, it would be beneficial to acquire knowledge about coffee varieties and characteristics. This includes not only distinguishing between different types such as cappuccino and espresso, but also gaining a basic understanding of the various attributes of coffee.

Let`s ask ChatGPT:

As a result I got the summary for all requested information:

The chatbot successfully generated a list of references as requested:

Conclusions

Since the inception of ChatGPT, there has been a range of reactions within the community, varying from enthusiasm to concern. Influential figures such as Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and other experts in the field of artificial intelligence have penned an open letter to call on AI labs to pause in giant AI experiments of all AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for half a year.

All cutting-edge technologies can be intimidating due to the wide range of applications and potential complexities. However, like any tool, when utilized appropriately, they can provide numerous benefits. Our objective is to explore how we can improve efficiency through the use of ChatGPT. It is important to remember that all outputs generated by ChatGPT require thorough validation and editing.

ChatGPT has the potential to streamline repetitive tasks, allowing for more time to focus on innovative and challenging issues.

If you currently utilize ChatGPT in your role, we would be interested in hearing how it has enhanced your work processes.