The architect/Techno-functional SPOC plays a crucial role when a tech team must design infrastructure based on functional needs. Often, conflicts arise from a lack of understanding, but setting clear priorities and communication can align the process. Key steps include: Identify DBA challenges. Meet with BI/Business Analysts to clarify reporting needs and potential DBA conflicts. Document potential solutions and host a joint DBA/BI/BA lead call. Understand the technical barriers and work on solutions, from storage limitations to technology adaptations. Announce planned implementation announcement across all teams and implement a phased plan, ensuring all teams are aligned for smoother releases.

First, aligning both teams with a unified vision that ties the data model to key business objectives gives everyone a bigger-picture focus. Setting governance guidelines around data ownership, access, and compliance helps prevent ambiguity and reduce future conflicts. I also encourage an iterative prototyping approach, allowing both teams to provide feedback and refine the model gradually. Maintaining transparency through shared tools, like data dictionaries or schema repositories, keeps everyone informed and fosters trust. Finally, encouraging cross-training builds empathy and respect by helping each team understand the other’s constraints and objectives.

In my experience if a BI solution is causing a DBA grief the solution is wrong. Full Stop. This is not a debate about how to make a rdbms run an inefficient/broken BI model or support some new data tool. At the end of the day there is a quantifiable body of work that needs to be done with any collection of data flowing into and out of an information system- this includes the basics such as typing/constraints/load/unload/etc. This body of work also includes knowing the capabilities of the platform you are on of which a DBA is the only expert in the room on this. There is no BI challenge that should ever give pause to a well managed rdbms. If a solution is causing the underlying systems to breakdown then the solution needs re-worked.

I like a Kitkat, a decent coffee and to sit with the team and talk like grown-ups. If you need to use complex terms to explain that, use degree course jargon to put this into a 1000 word reply, you missed the point. Two parties need to talk, speak clearly and keep it simple. Use common terms and reach a solution.

Encourage Active Listening: Make space for each team's concerns without interruptions to foster respect. Empathize with Constraints: Acknowledge each team's specific challenges, like security or data accuracy. Collaborative Planning: Work together to map out the data model, incorporating feedback from both sides. Use Visual Tools: Leverage diagrams or flowcharts to visualize complex data relationships, easing understanding. Set Milestones Together: Agree on checkpoints to measure progress and adapt strategies as a team.

Facilitate a discussion where each team can share their perspectives. Encourage both sides to focus on the shared goal of creating a robust, efficient data model that supports business insights. Highlight the unique value each team brings: DBAs ensure data integrity and storage efficiency, while BI teams focus on usability and reporting accuracy. Encourage compromises, such as agreeing on data standards that balance performance and accessibility. Regular check-ins can help maintain alignment and prevent future conflicts.

Resolving modeling disputes between DBAs and BI teams requires a structured approach: Understand Discrepancy:Analyze the business case and requirements to identify the root cause of the disagreement. Individual Consultations: Meet separately with DBA and BI teams to confirm their understanding of the requirements and document discrepancies. Refined Requirements: Revise the RSD document based on consultations. Share the updated version with the DBA team for input on HLD and LLD document. Collaborative Review: Hold a joint meeting to discuss the LLD document, ensuring alignment with requirements and addressing concerns from both sides. Finalize:Upon reaching a consensus, finalize documentation and proceed with modeling based design document

Along with joint meetings, clear roles, and shared language, I’d suggest a 💡 rapid prototyping approach, where both teams can validate ideas with practical examples and adjust as they identify potential bottlenecks or limitations. While DBAs often focus on data structuring, maintenance, and overall database performance 🔧, and BI teams prioritize flexibility for dynamic analysis and query performance 📊, both should aim to create business impact 🚀.