In Chapter 9 we introduced the stages of the database system development lifecycle. There
are many occasions during these stages when it is critical that the database developer
captures the necessary facts to build the required database system. The necessary facts
include, for example, the terminology used within the enterprise, problems encountered
using the current system, opportunities sought from the new system, necessary constraints
on the data and users of the new system, and a prioritized set of requirements for the new
system. These facts are captured using fact-finding techniques.