Assessment Objective 5: Using a Business Database
Contents
Introduction
What is a database?
A structured set of data held in a computer, esp. one that is accessible in various ways. A database is used to store organized information, so that we can manage and retrieve information. Typically a database is made up of many linked tables of rows and columns, each containing specific data (E.g. name, address, location, size, weight, dates).also, a field: each column represents a field, record: each row represents one record, table: collection records.
What are the benefits of using a database in a company?
Phones your way are currently using a Roller Deck system. A roller deck system is very UN reliable as it is a paper system therefore, it is easy to misplace and easily damageable. Also, a Roller Deck is also limited to a number of cards. Whereas, a computerised database can hold more information as it has a large memory system. Also, a Roller Deck cannot provide security for the information it contains. While, a computerised database can be password protected. Therefore, only a selected number of people with the password can access and change the data. As well as, it takes an immense amount of time searching through a Roller Decks for a particular file. Whereas, a computer data base will find the data in seconds as it is 21st century technology. Moreover, if a disaster were to occur it will take loads of time to re write by hand. Where, a computer database will have a copy stored on its hard drive. What's more it is easy for a misguided worker to misplace a name in the wrong file due to the names being very similar for example Jimmy Brown and Jimmy Broom.