Businesses that have difficulties integrating the information from e-commerce sales, online forms or other, can benefit from custom developed database.
The term database design is very often used to refer to the entire process of database development, from requirements analysis, through to the physical design of the database. Database design per se is one of the stages in database development. This is where the conceptual model, developed during the data modelling, is applied to a specific database management system.
Useful for business
Effective business management demands information of various kinds, and database development that is tailor-made to the needs of the organisation provides an effective answer to this. A useful database allows flexibility of data retrieval, storage and manipulation processes.
Database development provides clients with solutions that suit their contemporary business needs, on both client-server and web-based applications. Databases such as MySQL, MSSQL, Oracle, DB2, PostgreSQL and MS Access are the most common; but new technologies emerge everyday and take database development to higher levels. For example, virtualisation has taken the IT development industry by storm, as it offers a way to help consolidate a large number of individual small machines on one larger server. This eases the overall manageability and uses the system resources more efficiently.
Databases are customisable
Most databases are customised, and the developer studies the need and suggests the most useful and cost effective applications, fitting the database needs to suit the requirements and budget. Most companies consist of an experienced technical team, and field operators who study the need of the client by physical verification. The reports from these are collected and an effectual program is drawn up for a compressive business solution. Implementation of the database developed is done in the next level by training the staff so that the use of the system is optimised. The typical database development will include:
Planning and basic investigation – field technicians study the work processes and compiling of data.
Modelling of the data – The data is distributed into modules and a basic chart or diagram for processing is made
Study of users – Calculations relating to the numbers of users, and the levels of data that need to be available to them are analysed.
Strategies for hardware, storage of data and standby – Data processes and storage is mapped and a strategy is worked out. A fail-proof system with auto-save and power off modes is developed that will withstand changes without affecting the performances.
Designing the interface – the database development is made user friendly and a interactive interface is built into the design
Training – the staff is trained in the new database and user manuals are made available.
Transfer of data – The existing data is re-organised and stored in the database in the new format, usually by the existing staff with help of the technical team.
Integration – The database development is considered truly successful only if the efficiency of the business improves – so the seamless integration of the user and the system is vital.
Turnaround time- The database development should take a minimal turnaround time, otherwise it will hamper the smooth functioning of existing business.
Database-driven applications that embed the tools are needed for improved business performance and it is the end user that has to be satisfied with system. A user-friendly database development is the key to successful business functioning that allows a hands-on approach to the system.