# Tasks & work activities — embedded system designer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1211.00 (Computer Systems Analysts).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- **[Core]** Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- **[Core]** Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- **[Core]** Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
- **[Core]** Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
- **[Core]** Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- **[Core]** Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
- **[Core]** Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
- **[Core]** Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.
- **[Core]** Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
- **[Core]** Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
- **[Core]** Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
- **[Core]** Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
- **[Core]** Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
- **[Core]** Recommend new equipment or software packages.
- **[Core]** Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
- **[Core]** Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- **[Core]** Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
- **[Supplemental]** Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
- **[Supplemental]** Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
- **[Supplemental]** Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
- Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
- Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Collect data about customer needs.
- Configure computer networks.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Design integrated computer systems.
- Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation.
- Develop testing routines or procedures.
- Document design or development procedures.
- Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
- Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
- Identify information technology project resource requirements.
- Manage information technology projects or system activities.
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Read documents to gather technical information.
- Select production input materials.
- Supervise information technology personnel.
- Test software performance.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Write computer programming code.