Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.23. A partial Preliminary Field List and a Calculated Field List
Note
You may have noticed that each list includes a date in the title. It's a good idea to
date your lists so that you can maintain a clear history of their development.
Summary
This chapter began by discussing why you should analyze the organization's current data-
base. You learned that the analysis helps you identify aspects of the current database that
will be useful to you when you design the new database. Armed with this information, you
can design a database that best suits the organization's needs. Next, we briefly looked at
the two types of databases organizations commonly used:
paper-based
databases and
leg-
acy
databases. We ended this discussion by identifying the
three steps used in the analysis
process:
reviewing the way data is collected, reviewing the way information is presented,
and conducting interviews with the organization's staff.
The chapter continued with a discussion of the review process. You learned how to review
the ways the organization collects its data and how to assemble a set of
data collection
samples. Then you learned how to
review the ways the organization presents information
and how to assemble a set of
report
samples.
