There are problems though. At the moment they have no computer system and they do not know how to use a computer very well so they probably will have problems putting new data and erasing old data on and off the database.
I will be creating a simple, yet effective database that is user-friendly to everyone including customers, the main end users, and the staff, who have not had much experience using computers.
Analysis
A database is a good solution because it is easier and more efficient to keep than the file method because there is no chance of losing any of the paperwork. It is also easier to use than some of the other computer files such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word. It is user-friendly to people who have never really used a computer before because they can just type in the car of their choice and it will come up with the specific cars that they want instead of having to scroll down and find the car that they want out of a large number of cars.
Specification
This section will explain the requirements of this database. In this database they require:
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The database to be used by customers and staff.
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The customer must not be allowed to edit or input data.
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The staff must be able to edit and input data.
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Data must be retrieved in a very short amount of time.
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Customers and staff must be allowed to print off certain items so that the customer can discuss it with their spouse, family etc.
- Customers must be able to search/query data without annoying staff, so a query system must be developed.
The customers cannot be allowed to edit the data, but the staff will obviously require that ability. So they wish to have two separate submenus, one for customers and one for staff. As they are used to being able to give the cars details to the customer, all pages must be printable. There will be another workstation in the corner of the room
Specification (cont…)
where a customer can view the cars on that system without wasting staffs time. The system must work reliably without errors and problems. The database must have an easy to navigate system of menus, one which is for staff and one that is for customer. All these criteria must be tested, as to give them a dysfunctional database is against company policies.
