The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Database design DBDS

The specification, design and maintenance of mechanisms for storage of and access to data in support of business information needs. Design of the physical data layer, addressing enterprise data resource needs and local stored data structures. Definition of physical or virtual data warehouse structures required to support business intelligence and data analytics services.

Moving to SFIA 8 

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 8. 

  • The skill descriptions have been edited for readability and guidance notes have been added 
  • Details available here - SFIA 8 Database Design
  • SFIA 7 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use 
  • Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change. 

Levels

Defined at these levels: 3 4 5

Database design: Levels 1-2

This skill is not typically observed when working at these levels of responsibility.

Database design: Level 3

Develops appropriate physical database or data warehouse design elements, within set policies, to meet business change or development project data requirements. Interprets installation standards to meet project needs and produces database or data warehouse component specifications.

Database design: Level 4

Develops and maintains specialist knowledge of database and data warehouse concepts, design principles, architectures, software and facilities. Assesses proposed changes to object/data structures, in order to evaluate alternative options. Implements physical database designs to support transactional data requirements for performance and availability. Implements data warehouse designs that support demands for business intelligence and data analytics.

Database design: Level 5

Provides expert guidance in the selection, provision and use of database and data warehouse architectures, software and facilities. Provides specialist expertise in the design characteristics of database management systems (DBMS) or data warehouse products/services. Ensures that physical database design policy supports transactional data requirements for performance and availability. Ensures that data warehouse design policy supports demands for business intelligence and data analytics.

Database design: Levels 6-7

This skill is not typically observed when working at these levels of responsibility.