Relational database solution - Essay Example

Relational Database Solution Introduction It has been official for quite a while that we are living in a technological age. Moreover, this technological age is increasingly being perfected with new and better technological ways as well as machines being introduced for home and business use. It is said that information is power and this is especially true for those who are in the business world. For businesses or organizations information is not only relevant today but can be helpful in the coming future.

Information helps in the planning as well as forecasting for the future in a business organization. Therefore this need has led to introduction of various data storage solutions. One very well known model for database management is the rational database solution. A relational data base can be explained or defined as a collection of data or information. The data is then stored in tables where it can be accessed or rearranged in different ways without changing the arrangement of the tables. Relational data base was invented in the 1970 by Edgar Codd at IBM Harrington (2004).

The relational database management system is based on the relational model theory. A relational database model has a set of tables which are designed to hold data after collection. The data is arranged and put in categories which have a set order. Each of the tables which are also known as a relation has either one or more data groups in columns. Every row has a set of data for each of the categories and is defined by the columns Harrington (2004). A good example is when an entry in a normal business order database has a table that gives a description of a customer which includes columns for the name, an address and a phone number.

In addition there can be another table describing an order with columns for; the product name, date, customer name, the sales price. Therefore any person assigned to use the database can get access the database depending on what information they want to gather. For example a branch office manager might want to view a report on company clients that have bought either a product or a service in a particular date. Data collection in relational databaseMany of today’s businesses rely on their database systems for accurate and up to date information Suad (2005).

Without this much needed information business organizations find themselves in tough situations such as strategic planning as well as corporate decision making. On the other hand for it to be useful to a business organization or a firm, it must be accurate, complete and organized in such a way that data can be retrieved when needed and in the format it is required Suad (2005). In the relational database, you can manage endless sets of data in tables without having to go back and reenter data a second time.

You can create separate records for each type of data to be stored. Your database may require more design and maintenance. The opposite of the relational database is the flat file database, which is a giant table of individual records. When you want to add information, such as updating a customers information, you have to reenter all of the information in a new record in the flat file databases table. With the relational database, you save a lot of time by creating as many tables as you want.

Data manipulation and management in relational databaseA well written database application program is critical for convenient as well as accurate data retrieval. Without a good database design even the best programs cannot avoid problems related to data storage with issues such as the presence of inaccurate and inconsistent data (). For most business professional having a good relational database design can eliminate such problems and promote the achievement of the objectives of the business organization.

Data sharing in the organization The relational database also offers the ability for users to share information simultaneously. Since all the information required for the business is located within a system, all users can easily and seamlessly share updates or any other changes that are made. The relational database can automatically update in all areas of the information system when an addition, deletion or update is made; all users will have immediate (or almost immediate) access to this information because everything is already cross referencedBenefits of the data base for the organizationWhile a relational database is a very important step in managing business information, relational database has become a very common form of database model used by businesses today’s society Sumathi (2007).

Basically relational database is comprised of a group of reasonably connected tables. If the management of a business wants to achieve data integrity, ask questions, efficiency, filter and sort data in order to provide stronger security, and share information. There are numerous benefits that come with the use of a relational database for a business organization; Improved Data IntegrityThe uniqueness of a relational database is the ability to cross-reference data stored by the business and as a result provide a higher level of integrity Sumathi, 2007).

The key to success is in the foundation of the databases design. Relationships of data must be accurately assessed and once this connection is established, the rest falls into place rather smoothly.Due to its capacity to eliminate duplicated data, this also increases the degree of data integrity which helps management or employees make correct decisions based on the information they can extract Sumathi (2007).. There are no worries about the same customer or employee record being duplicated because this is eliminated in the underlying design of the database.

Updates are made quickly and everyone with access to the system can view these changes immediately. Decision makers find the aspect of data integrity to be one of the primary business advantages of the relational database.Speed and Efficiency Due to the fact data is rapidly updated, this helps increase efficiency and speed. The many advantages of relational databases can easily be summed into one major advantage: relational databases are dynamic. If you compare a relational database to a flat file database, which is a static data table, you will instantly see the advantage to the former.

The ability to bring connections within a database to the surface makes the data within even more valuable.Security If security is a top priority with your information, you can build an interface on top of a relational database that provides various levels of privacy options Ritchie, (2002). For example, lower-level employees can be restricted from seeing the data available to management. In another example, some databases can be locked away from others to ensure that not all information is recalled when accessing a record.

Scalability One of the major benefits of relational databases is its ability to expand as the companys data grows Ritchie, (2002). A flat file has its limits, but a relational database can reveal connections among data that wouldnt be visible otherwise, no matter how much data is entered into the database. Simply generate a report, and you can track the status of your products or your customers.ReferencesSuad, D (2005). Relational database technology: New York: Springer-Verlag Sumathi, S (2007).

Fundamentals of relational database management systems: Berlin London: SpringerHarrington, J (2004). Relational database design clearly explained: New York: Morgan Kaufmann PublishersRitchie, C (2002). Relational database principles: London: Continuum