Automation Isn't Accountability: Why DBAs Still Own Outcomes on IBM Z
craigmullins · x · 2026-10-24
Database expert Craig Mullins argues that while automation and AI-driven tooling increasingly handle statistics collection, self-tuning, and other repetitive tasks on Db2 for z/OS, the marketing narrative of the "autonomous database" glosses over a key point: automation can execute tasks and AI can recommend actions, but neither can assume responsibility.
In complex IBM Z environments running critical workloads—where experienced talent is already scarce—automation delivers real value, but when things go wrong, humans remain accountable. The DBA's role thus shifts from performing routine tasks to supervision, judgment, and owning the outcome, rather than being replaced.
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