What is BRD and what is the difference between BRD and SRS document

Blog 1 : About BRD document – Business Requirement Document

Business Requirement document – BRD ,name itself explains that its a high level document where business needs are written. BRD documents are generally created in projects where new requirements are to be introduced in existing sysem/Migration of legacy systems into latest systems. It is also created in situation where Request for Proposal for a new project. It includes  details on what is the product, what is business need , what is achievable and a route map for the project. It creates a foundation for successful execution off project. This document is understandable by any stakeholder.It includes all categories of information like , functional, quality, inscope, future vision,use cases, Assumptions, Project Summary,operatinal Model,Business process flow, Success metrics.Below are some of the component written in BRD which defines structure of this document and ease the reader on overall objective.

Company Overview : This is the first sub heading which is needed to introduce background of company to all the solution providers , so that they get a fair idea on which domain /which area they are going to work. This helps the solution provider to get a holistic look at the company they are undertaking the project

Project scope : This section explains scope of project and provides outline on what is covered in the project and what is out of scope .This defines clear boundary to the project landscape.

Business Goals : The objectives of business should be documented clearly to align project stakeholders for successful execution . These provides strategic outcomes of the project and detailing of why this project required.

Functional & non Functional requirements : This section is a bit details of project requirements , which are segregated as functional , which mean must have requirements to be considered and “could have, should have” comes under non functional requirements.

Project Roadmaps : This section defines the estimations/timelines when the project can be achieved. It includes schedules for each stage of Project and milestones to be achieved on timely basis .I also list the dependencies on project activities. The thumb rule is to include 20% of buffer time for all activities to manage unexpected huddles during project time.

Stakeholder consultation : This sections are conducted once the project is kickstarted . It include discussions with each stakeholder who are solution providers.

Project risk : This is also one of the main section , where we highlight the risk components involved in the project. It also helps in taking decision to proceed with RFP or to find other alternatives. The risk plan consists of risk name, risk priority, risk likelihood of occurrence, mitigation strategies, and risk owner.

Infrastructure and Resource requirement :  This section explains the required software, technical skills and and no. of resources . This is also needed to list to understand the achievability of project 

Budget factors : Budgets section covers phased/milestone-based payment schedules along with the disbursement amount. The budget needs to cover onboarding cost, stakeholder consultation cost, vendor cost, operation cost, and any non-essential project costs. This will also help in understanding the model of project Eg: fixed bid, outcome based

The difference between BRD and SRS is  BRD explains functional requirements and is used for initial workshops during project kick-start phase, whereas SRS is more related to solution design which comes at a later stage of the project and it explains more about the solution that is planned for the product. It explains about the software & infrastructure used for the solution. This may be understood only up to 50% to the business stakeholders as they aren’t aware of technical terms involved in it. SRS is mostly used or helpful for BA, SMEs , technical stakeholders to understand the risk, challenge and achievability of the product. It also acts as a blueprint to building the product.