Most if not all businesses and organisations use data in increasing amounts thanks to the increase in technology capturing it such as PCs, smartphones, production equipment providing usage data and increased online activity including website visits, social media usage and more.
Data use through an effective data management system (DBMS) can help businesses and organisations achieve much in their activities including:
- Improved production through monitoring processes and procedures though data collection direct from production machinery
- Control stock inventory accurately through efficient tracking and building a ‘picture’ of demand
- Improved marketing through understanding the marketplace and customers better through detailed data collection and manipulation
- Improved customer service
In general, an effective DBMS – especially if based on bespoke database development as opposed to ‘off the shelf’ solutions – can improve productivity, sales, customer relations and ultimately your bottom line.
What is a DBMS?
In a nutshell, a DBMS is a set of programmes that allow efficient integrated data use including quick access and retrieval, and controls aspects such as duplicate records, security access and more to ensure ongoing efficient data use by those who require it to perform their duties.
A custom database development for a DBMS provided by bespoke database development experts makes the above easier to accomplish as the system is designed to suit the exact requirements of the business or organisation concerned so they do not have to ‘make do’ with off the shelf solutions.
Key advantages of a DBMS
Better data integration – data is stored centrally and not scattered about so can be accessed quickly and efficiently.
Control of data inconsistency – a bane for users of poorly conceived and maintained databases is inconsistencies – a key culprit being duplicate records. For example, two records of the same person could occur that can result in inefficient handling of that record such as mailing them twice on the same subject or – even worse – both their records being deleted in a badly organised de-duplication exercise.
An efficient custom database development has efficient data inconsistency control very much baked in.
Quick and versatile data access – being able to efficiently search and access data based on specific queries is a huge benefit.
For example, being able to search and receive quick responses to detailed queries such as ‘what’s the percentage of sales increases of XX product over last month?’ or ‘how many customers spent £XX or above during the last quarter?’ is a gold mine of information if it can be accessed quickly.
Security – a DBMS being used by various personnel requires razor sharp security such as efficient level access control to ensure data is securely protected: again, a professional bespoke database development will ensure the best in security measures are in place.
Improved decision making – fast and efficient access to meaningful data that can be queried in a very detailed way makes for accurate and vastly improved decision making.
For example, customer buying trends can be analysed quickly and accurately to determine what marketing might be deployed; what products or services should be offered, in what quantities and much more.
For production decisions, data gathered from, for example, machinery and logistics can inform what staffing levels are required, when inventory may run low, or when certain machines may need to be taken off line for maintenance and what contingency plans can be put in place.
Increased profit and productivity – in general, better decisions based on quickly accessed detailed information gleaned from the DBMS and its bespoke database can improve productivity through reducing downtime, ensuring stock levels are appropriate, and focusing efforts on where there is a clear demand for a given product.
Knowing the customer better though detailed information acquired through efficient data analysis thanks to the DBMS and custom database development means improved sales and profits through serving them based on their identified needs.
Investing in an effective DBMS, ideally through a company well versed in providing bespoke database development solutions, will pay off considerably in improved productivity, sales and thus profits.
FAQ’s
What is database development?
In general database development is the process by which a business or organisation puts together its database facility - ideally with the help of database development solutions providers - as a means to store and manipulate data to achieve its objectives.
Bespoke database development may be achieved though using existing ‘off the shelf’ database software packages, or a bespoke database solution may be sought through using the services of professionals providing database development solutions.
This route usually means having custom database development undertaken whereby database facilities are designed specifically for the business or organisation concerned based on their requirements; whether adapting their existing set up or designing ‘from the ground up’.
What are the key stages of the database development process?
A logical project management approach would ideally be deployed - and will be if professional bespoke database development experts are consulted:
Assess needs - what requirements does the end user have of their DBMS? This will inform how it is developed and the starting point for professional database development services providers.
Adapt existing or new database development? - existing database software can often be adapted to perform a more bespoke function; alternatively a ‘from the ground up’ custom database development may be undertaken. Your database development solutions provider can help advise on the best path to follow.
Siting and security - will the database management system be sited on physical storage or in the cloud? What level of security will be built in to control level access to the database? Again, your bespoke database providers can help determine the best course to follow.
How does a fully integrated DBMS help businesses?
With so much data being collected and stored now, businesses and organisations of all sizes need an efficient way to store and manipulate their data effectively to make the most of it.
The huge amounts of data and the potential for detailed collection and analysis means without an effective, and preferably bespoke DBMS, you are squandering a huge opportunity to improve your productivity, customer service and thus your bottom line. Why not contact us to discuss the possibilities?
A bespoke DMS provided by professional database development services experts will enhance your effective data use further through having a set up that precisely fits your needs.