Planning is an important part of the entire process of creating a database because planning allows the user to identify the purpose of the database, the functions expected from the database, and the intended users of the database. During the planning process, database creator tries to brainstorm all of the expected uses of the database so that the database components can be designed around them to provide the desired functionalities. Once the creator has an idea of the needs of the users, he can take steps to ensure that those needs will be met by the final product.

Planning also helps in identifying the type of information that will be needed by the users. Examples include first and last name of the customers, address, city, country, and account type. Planning helps avoid costly reworks and catch shortcomings and problems quicker because planning map provides the basis to compare the features of the database against the needs of the customers during the development process. In addition, it helps speed the database development time because the database developer knows exactly what to include and doesn’t waste time in adding less important features. The database is also more user-friendly because its design is inspired by users’ habits. The database developer will also know which organization tools to add if he understands how the users may want to organize and access the data.