Impact Analysis

What is Impact Analysis?

Impact analysis is the process of evaluating the effects of a proposed change — whether a change request, defect fix, or new requirement — on the rest of the system, including existing code, test cases, and schedules.

What Impact Analysis Considers

• Which modules or components will be affected by the change.
• Which existing test cases need to be re-executed or updated.
• Potential side effects on unrelated functionality.
• The effect on schedule, cost, and resource allocation.

Why Impact Analysis Matters

Thorough impact analysis reduces the risk of unexpected regressions and ensures that the true cost and scope of a change are understood before it is approved and implemented.