Many jobs involve the use of databases and for this reason employees with database skills are valued. The advantages of using a database are extensive, including significantly reduced data storage requirements, improved record manipulation and faster access to records.
Most organisations use databases in some way to store records, for example customer information, supplier information, employee details and basic financial information. These records can be searched, sorted, ordered and indexed. Using a simplified chart tool, graphs and charts can also be created and embedded into reports.
As with spreadsheets, data mining software can make use of database files to interrogate records and look for trends or unusual events.
To ensure that databases have integrity, validity and efficiency designing the database prior to implementation is important. Failour to do this may result in a poor product.
- Lecturer: Sian Bevan
- Lecturer: Adrian Hone