Database Environment

Introduction

A database defines a structure for storing information and it collects information that is organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data. A database can also be thought of as an electronic filing system. Data and information are extracted from a database by creating a query and then submitting it to the query database management system (DBMS) and it is posed in a language that only the DBMS can understand.

The query can be in the form of a question or just a keyword and once these queries run against the database, it will find a matching record (Reynolds, 2004). Database Decisions When building a system for information, you have to decide how much responsibility for data management your software will take. A database can be rather large or it can be small depending on the information that is being stored. Request for information from a database are made in the form of a query or a question asking the database for particular information.

All database management systems are not the same from a technical standpoint. They differ mostly in the way they organize their information internally. The internal organization can then determine how quickly and supplely the information can be extracted (Jupitermedia, 2011). Analyzing the use of databases In the Client Fulfillment department at Tactical Training Group Pacific’s, there are two databases that are mainly used and those are the Command Active directory and the Military & Civilian SME (MC&SME).

These databases are very vital to this department because they help with the daily production goals. With the use of the command directory, it is helpful in finding different associates throughout the organization as well as finding certain departments, phone numbers, mail codes, locations of command training centers, and Watch Station machines. When creating a new account for a client or associate they must state whether they are an existing client or that they are an associate the command directory is accessed to verify this information in order for them to receive the benefits as an associate.

Another advantage of the command directory is helping to find other department phone numbers or Watch Station locations. With the command directory database you select the field that you are searching for like associate search, location, telephone number, Watch Station and then you enter your query not in the form of a question but a certain query language that is understood by this database to extract this information. This database relies on the Microsoft SQL server.

Another database that is used command is the Military & Civilian Subject Matter Experts (MC&SME). This database is used to help associates across all lines of business to do their job effectively. MC&SME contains processes and procedures for each department to abide by so if you are not sure on how to complete a customer request or the correct information to give to a customer it can all be found on MC&SME. MC&SME works on structured query language or SQL that it is usually asked a stylized question in order to execute and answer.

This is a very large database because it contains so many work procedures and specialists that are very important for each and every department at TTGP Command. Data specifications For TTGP it is important to remember that we have three types of people in our database Command Staff, Clients and Subject Matter Experts(SME) for training area’s and certifications. The Following entities and attributes will apply relationally to all three areas

• Command Staff

1. Name
2.  Address
3. Phone number
4. Department Name
5. Supervisor

• Client/Customer

1. Name
2. Address
3. Phone number
4. Company Name
5. Company POC/Supervisor

• Subject Matter Expert(SME)

1. SME Name
2. Company Name
3. Certifications (Separated By Commas)
4. Special Training
5. Cost for Services

The requirement for this Database is to ensure a check is made relationally for either name or skills to ensure duel entities aren’t entered. This DB is high usage throughout the day and has to backup and saved daily so that repairs’ upkeep and maintenance can be done by the night IT crew.

Database Management/Upkeep Both of these databases, the Command Directory and MC&SME have to be managed and regular maintenance has to be done in order to keep the information up to date. There are so many changes for associate / employee information if they leave the company or switch department or even if a department is no longer functioning all of this information has to be current. With MC&SME, there are so many changes to job procedures qualifications Etc… very day in order to minimize fraud or if new products are on the market and other ones are no longer being offered, MC&SME sends an alert immediately so if it affects your part of production, you will have to read it right away and make all necessary changes on how your work is done so the administration of both databases are important in order to take full advantage of the output to the relevant query. Proposing Improvements Improvements that can be done in order to maximize results for both of these atabases are to make them more client friendly. The Command directory could contain less fields in order to search for results since the 411information page search and the location search is going to give you the same results and if you are not sure or the correct spelling of an member of staff’s name, the “sounds like” field is not very helpful because it will come back with too many results and you still have to keep looking. MC&SME can definitely be made more user friendly.

This is the most confusing database because if you don’t have the proper training it will take hours just to look up simple information. MC&SME needs to be reduced in search / query size in order to maximize retrieval results faster. Conclusion Because this 3 entity with attributes relational Database has such a high operational Tempo we need to ensure that only the critical attributes fields are used. This will help in not only over all DB performance but help with query retrieval speed as well.

Keeping the relational processing required down to a minimum is imperative. Constant upgrades, maintenance along with security patches are done and need to remain transparent to the user. This database is akin to the lungs that breathe life into our command.

References

1. Jupitermedia. (2011, Spring). Internal Database Organization. Retrieved from http://jupitermedia. org/DBorg
2. Reynolds, J. N. (2004). Database Structures. PC Magizine, 10(7), 123.