Database Reference
In-Depth Information
•
Final Recommendations
•
List of options
•
Suggested recommendations
REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION
Proper definition of information requirements drives the design and deployment of
the database system. The earlier planning phase sets the tone and direction for the
project. The feasibility study phase provides the justification and examines the
options for the project. But it is the requirements definition phase that lays the foun-
dation for the system. The importance of requirements definition as a driving force
cannot be overemphasized. Every organization launching a database system must
pay special attention to how the requirements definition phase is conducted.
In this phase you observe the overall business, you understand the core business,
you examine the primary processes, you find out who needs what data to run which
processes, and you determine the complete information requirements. You study
the data volumes and data access requirements to estimate storage space and the
exact type and features of the database software. Note the following summary list
of major tasks during the requirements definition phase:
•
Study overall business operations.
•
Observe business processes.
•
Understand business needs.
•
Interview users.
•
Determine information requirements.
•
Identify data to be collected and stored.
•
Establish data access patterns.
•
Estimate data volumes.
•
Document the information requirements.
Who is involved in requirements definition? Practically, everyone on the project
may have some input, but usually one or more data analysts, ably supported by a
team of systems analysts, initiate and control this phase. In every task, the user rep-
resentatives must participate actively. Technical know-how will have to come from
the database administrator.
Data analysts and systems analysts working on requirements must have had
training and experience in gathering requirements and documenting requirements
according to accepted standards. They have to work closely with user groups
and understand their information needs; this requires training in interviewing and
documenting techniques. They must know how to work with users to collect the
information needs and have the gathered type of information requirements con-
firmed by the users. Representatives for users at different responsibility levels, in
various functional units, and at several geographic locations—all must make the
phase successful. These analysts must also have access to existing systems and
documents.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search