Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Analyzing a legacy database is somewhat easier than analyzing a paper-based database be-
causealegacydatabaseistypicallymoreorganizedandstructuredthanapaper-baseddata-
base, the structures within the database are explicitly defined, and there is usually an ap-
plication program that people use to interact with the data in the database. (The application
programisvaluabletoyouduringtheanalysisprocessbecauseitcanrevealalotofinform-
ation about the data structures and the tasks performed against the data in the legacy data-
base.)Thetimeitwilltakeyoutoperformaproperanalysiswilldependtosomedegreeon
the platform (mainframe or PC), the RDBMS used to implement the legacy database, and
the application program.
The key point to remember when you're analyzing either a paper-based or a legacy data-
base is that you should proceed through the process patiently and methodically so that you
can ensure a thorough and accurate analysis.
Conducting the Analysis
Therearethreestepsintheanalysisprocess:reviewingthewaydataiscollected,reviewing
the manner in which information is presented, and conducting interviews with users and
management.
It will be necessary for you to speak to various people in the organization as you conduct
the first two steps in this process.
Be sure your conversations relate purely to the reviews
at hand.
You'll have the opportunity to ask them other in-depth questions later. Keep in
mind that these reviews are an integral part of your preparation for the interviews that will
follow. Indeed, these reviews help you determine the types of questions you'll need to ask
in subsequent interviews.
Looking at How Data Is Collected
Thefirststepintheanalysisprocessinvolvesreviewingthewaysinwhichdataiscollected.
This includes everything from index cards and handwritten or printed lists to preprinted
forms and data entry screens (such as those used in a database program or web browser).
Begin this step by reviewing all paper-based items. Find out what types of documents the
organizationisusingtorecorddataandthengatherasinglesampleofeach.Assemblethese
samples and store them in a folder for use later in the design process. For example, assume
that the organization is collecting supplier data on index cards. Go through each of the in-
dex cards until you find one with an entry that is as complete as possible. When you've
found an appropriate sample, make a copy of it and save it in the folder. Proceed through
this process for each type of item being used.
Figure 6.1
shows two examples of how the
organization might use paper-based items to collect data.
