Project Management and Database Development
Abstract
Why do we need database technology in today's business world? The goal of
this paper is to effectively answer that question and many others about database
technology and explain the steps toward developing a useful application.
The business world is finding itself bogged down under mountains of data
which need to be properly managed. Database software is the perfect data manager.
The data can be stored in a structured manner. To a word processing or spreadsheet
application, a file is one document. However, to a database program, a file is divided
into individual units. Thus, the information can be manipulated and used much more
effectively. As John Hulsebus aptly noted, "A DBMS (Data Base Management
System) allows people to turn data into information . In the network world, another advantage of using database technology is that
information can reside in one location and be shared by many users from many
different applications at the same time. Another reason for storing data in this
manner is that it keeps the data centralized and consistent. Since all updates are
made to the same data tables, all users are accessing the most current information.
The real reward is that the data only has to be entered once by the first person who
receives it. After that, the data is available to those "down-the-pipeline" who need it.
This data isn't rekeyed by a number of people. It is, instead, made available from the
source and then shared. For those who require up-to-date information at all times,
the database will eliminate the following scenario:
A worker writes out a request for a new computer. The information is sent to
a secretary who throws it on a pile of things to do. Later that week the secretary
types up a formal request and submits it to the supervisor for approval. After another
lengthy delay, the supervisor approves the purchase and sends the approval back to
the secretary who then types up a request to be sent to the distributor.
As you can see, this is a very tedious process but with a database system, all of
this information could be entered and directly accessed through the network. The
paper trail would be eliminated and replaced with electronically stored information.
The request could be processed in a much quicker fashion.
This almost sounds to good to be true. Can a piece of software really make this
much of a difference? The answer is yes if it is properly used. However, databases
need to be understood before they are written or implemented. Over the next several
chapters, I will discuss the two major drivers behind successful database
implementation: project management and efficient database development.