How to Write a Business Requirements Document (BRD)

Creating a Business Requirements Document (BRD) is a crucial step in project management. It outlines the requirements of a business project, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of what is needed for success. This article will guide you through the process of writing a BRD using a BRD document, template, and examples, specifically in the context of computer and IT projects.

brd
brd

What is a Business Requirements Document ?

A BRD is a formal document that details the business solutions for a project. It includes the project’s objectives, requirements, and expected outcomes. The BRD serves as a guide for stakeholders, developers, and testers to understand the project’s needs and scope.

Key Components of a BRD

  1. Executive Summary: Provides a high-level overview of the project, including its purpose and objectives.
  2. Project Scope: Defines what is included and excluded in the project.
  3. Business Objectives: Outlines the goals the project aims to achieve.
  4. Requirements: Details the functional and non-functional requirements of the project.
  5. Stakeholder Analysis: Identifies all parties involved and their interests.
  6. Assumptions and Constraints: Lists any assumptions made during the project and any constraints that may impact it.
  7. Glossary: Defines any technical terms or jargon used in the document.

How to Write a BRD

1. Using a BRD Template

A BRD template can streamline the document creation process. Here’s a simple BRD template you can use:

  • Title Page: Project name, date, author, and version control.
  • Table of Contents: List of sections and page numbers.
  • Executive Summary: Brief project overview.
  • Project Scope: Detailed scope of the project.
  • Business Objectives: Specific goals and objectives.
  • Functional Requirements: Detailed requirements of what the system should do.
  • Non-functional Requirements: Requirements related to performance, usability, and reliability.
  • Stakeholder Analysis: List of stakeholders and their roles.
  • Assumptions and Constraints: Any assumptions or constraints.
  • Glossary: Definitions of key terms.

2. Writing the Executive Summary

The executive summary should be concise and to the point. It should cover the project’s purpose, objectives, and a brief overview of what is included in the BRD.

Example:

Executive Summary This document outlines the business requirements for the new customer management system. The project aims to improve customer relationship management by implementing a new software solution. The system will streamline customer interactions, enhance data management, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

3. Defining the Project Scope

Clearly define what is included and excluded from the project. This helps manage expectations and prevents scope creep.

Example:

Project Scope The project includes the development of a new customer management system with functionalities such as customer data management, interaction tracking, and reporting. It excludes any integration with existing legacy systems or third-party software.

4. Outlining Business Objectives

List the specific goals the project aims to achieve. These should be measurable and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Example:

  • Business Objectives – Improve customer data accuracy by 20% –
  • Increase customer satisfaction scores by 15% –
  • Reduce customer response time by 25%

5. Detailing Requirements

Separate requirements into functional and non-functional categories. Functional requirements describe what the system should do, while non-functional requirements describe how the system should perform.

Example:

Functional Requirements
  • The system shall allow users to add, update, and delete customer records.Β 
  • The system shall provide search functionality to locate customer records.Β 
  • The system shall generate monthly reports on customer interactions.
Non-functional Requirements
  • The system shall be available 99.9% of the time.Β 
  • The system shall support up to 500 concurrent users.Β 
  • The system shall provide a user-friendly interface.

6. Conducting Stakeholder Analysis

Identify all stakeholders involved in the project, their roles, and their interests. This ensures that all perspectives are considered.

Example:

Stakeholder AnalysisΒ 
  • Project Sponsor: Responsible for project funding and support.Β 
  • Project Manager: Oversees project execution and delivery.Β 
  • End Users: Use the system and provide feedback.Β 
  • IT Department: Responsible for system implementation and maintenance.

7. Listing Assumptions and Constraints

Document any assumptions made during the planning process and any constraints that may impact the project.

Example:

Assumptions and ConstraintsΒ 
Assumptions:
  • The project will have the necessary budget and resources.
  • Users will receive adequate training on the new system.Β 
Constraints:
  • The project must be completed within six months.
  • The system must comply with data protection regulations.

Conclusion

A well-written BRD is essential for the success of any project. It ensures that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project’s requirements and scope. By using a BRD template and following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a comprehensive and effective BRD for your project.

BRD Example

Here’s a simplified BRD example for a customer management system project:

Title Page:

Customer Management System Project Date: July 4, 2024 Author: ABC Version: 1.0

Table of Contents:

1. Executive Summary
2. Project Scope
3. Business Objectives
4. Functional Requirements
5. Non-functional Requirements
6. Stakeholder Analysis
7. Assumptions and Constraints 8. Glossary

Executive Summary:

This document outlines the business requirements for the new customer management system. The project aims to improve customer relationship management by implementing a new software solution. The system will streamline customer interactions, enhance data management, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

Project Scope:

The project includes the development of a new customer management system with functionalities such as customer data management, interaction tracking, and reporting. It excludes any integration with existing legacy systems or third-party software.

Business Objectives:

  • Improve customer data accuracy by 20%Β 
  • Increase customer satisfaction scores by 15%Β 
  • Reduce customer response time by 25%

Functional Requirements:

  • The system shall allow users to add, update, and delete customer records.Β 
  • The system shall provide search functionality to locate customer records.Β 
  • The system shall generate monthly reports on customer interactions.

Non-functional Requirements:

  • The system shall be available 99.9% of the time.Β 
  • The system shall support up to 500 concurrent users.Β 
  • The system shall provide a user-friendly interface.

Stakeholder Analysis:

  • Project Sponsor: Responsible for project funding and support.Β 
  • Project Manager: Oversees project execution and delivery.Β 
  • End Users: Use the system and provide feedback.Β 
  • IT Department: Responsible for system implementation and maintenance.

Assumptions and Constraints:

Assumptions:
  • The project will have the necessary budget and resources.
  • Users will receive adequate training on the new system.Β 
Constraints:
  • The project must be completed within six months.
  • The system must comply with data protection regulations.

By following this guide, you can create a clear and effective BRD that will help ensure the success of your project.

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  8. What is a BRD (Business Requirements Document) ?
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Pallavi

Author: Pallavi

Business Analyst , Functional Consultant, Provide Training on Business Analysis and SDLC Methodologies.🌐 Founder of BACareers.in| Freelance Business Analyst & Content Writer | Banking Domain Expert | Agile Practitioner | Career MentorI am the founder and content creator of BACareers.in, a specialized platform for aspiring and experienced Business Analysts. I share real-world insights, career tips, certification guidance, interview prep, tutorials, and case studies to help professionals grow in the BA career path.We have strong experience in Banking, Financial Services, and IT. We bring deep domain knowledge and hands-on expertise in core banking systems, payment integrations, loan management, regulatory compliance (KYC/AML), and digital banking transformations.πŸ’Ό Business Analyst ExpertiseRequirement Elicitation, BRD/FRD, SRS, User Stories, RTMAgile & Waterfall (Scrum, Kanban) methodologiesBusiness Process Modeling (BPMN, UML, AS-IS/TO-BE)Stakeholder Communication & Gap AnalysisUAT Planning, Execution & SupportCore Banking Solutions (Finacle, Newgen BPM, Profile CBS, WebCSR)✍️ Content Writing & StrategyFounder of BACareers.in – knowledge hub for BAs & IT professionalsSEO-optimized blogs, training content, case studies & tutorialsContent on Business Analysis, Agile, Banking, IT & Digital TransformationEngaging, beginner-friendly writing for professionals & learners🌍 What we OfferFreelance Business Analysis services: BRD, FRD, UAT, process flows, consultingFreelance Content Writing: SEO blogs, IT/business content, case studies, LinkedIn postsA unique blend of analytical expertise + content strategy to turn business needs into solutions and ideas into words that workπŸ“Œ Whether you’re an organization seeking BA expertise or a platform needing impactful content, let’s connect and collaborate.Business Analyst, Agile, BRD, FRD, Banking, Content Writer, SEO writing.

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