FCSCST1133Data Engineering Ecosystem

Step 05 · Collaborate

People in the Data Ecosystem

Data engineering is collaborative work that connects technical specialists, organisational owners and information users.

05People
Roles

Who does what?

Each role has a different focus, but dependable data requires them to work together.

Seven professional roles collaborating around organisational data
Figure 5. Data professionals collaborate around shared organisational data.
RolePrimary responsibility
Data EngineerPrepares and delivers reliable data for organisational use.
Data AnalystExamines data and communicates findings.
Data ScientistExplores patterns and develops predictive solutions.
Database AdministratorManages database availability, performance and access.
Software EngineerDevelops applications that generate or use data.
Data OwnerDetermines responsibility, access and appropriate use.
Business UserUses information to perform work and support decisions.

A useful analogy

  • The data engineer prepares dependable routes for information.
  • The data analyst uses available information to answer questions.
  • The data scientist uses it to explore patterns and possible outcomes.
  • The software engineer builds applications that produce or consume it.
  • The data owner establishes how it should be managed and used.

Distinguishing three commonly confused roles

RoleMain focusTypical output
Data EngineerReliability, preparation and availabilityTrusted datasets and data pipelines
Data AnalystExplaining existing patterns and performanceReports, dashboards and findings
Data ScientistPrediction, experimentation and modellingModels, forecasts and evaluated hypotheses