====== What is a Database? Part II ======

====== What is a Database? Part II ======

==== 6. Setting Up a Database System ====

Scheduling of Daily Works Orders

(i) Planning and Resourcing for Computerising the business's work procedures.

(ii) Designing Input Systems and Screens. It is important to decide exactly what data needs to be stored in the database records. It is important to bear in mind that the more data stored; the more must be gathered, inputted and maintained - there are real costs attached. Input screens should show information in a logical and readable fashion, and the layout should match any forms used for data collection.

(iii) Data Entry and Retrieval. Accurate and consistent data input is vital. It is important to standardise the coding and notify data entry staff in advance. It is usually possible to set the system to reject entries which do not match valid code lists. Standards for data entry should be drawn up before data entry staff start to input information, eg decide how the system will handle business names; the standard solution is to record a firm's name as it appears on their letterhead. It is advisable to have consistent rules on spacing between letters and words (otherwise W H Smith could be W. H. Smith, WH Smith or W.H.Smith) - they mean the same to a person but to a computer they are very different. If a database was searched for an exact match, the entry may be missed if the data entry person was inconsistent (though some databases offer an option to search for the closest matching entry which should find the record). Databases are good at finding an entry from a large amount of data when the user only has a clue to start with, eg they know that a contact is called either Hargreaves or Hargrove, but cannot name the company - the user could get the computer to search for surnames containing 'Hargr', then check the entries it offers.

===== Data Mining =====

 Data mining is a term which refers to the examination of data to discover patterns or associations caused by the collection of such historic data, eg a manager may discover that one particular customer always purchases a product at the last possible moment. They may therefore use this accidental information to offer this customer a faster delivery service at an extra charge.  The accounts system will store a history of purchases by customers; data mining will uncover many interesting patterns.

(ii) IT analysis and implementation is a popular placement project area for students and unemployed graduates or managers in small businesses to carry out projects. Local universities, Learning and Skills Councils should be able to give further details of schemes in the local area. = FileMaker on The Web = Our FileMaker databases are now available on the web, just type in the browser the following numbers (including the dot's): 192.168.0.15 and the databases will show up.

FileMaker on the web is still in it's early stages of development. Please put any suggestions or troubleshooting's on this page (below the line) to facilitate in improving and developing it.  Many Thanks, Amram.