Database Reference
In-Depth Information
So the first decision is whether we are building an operational or reporting system. An op-
erational system automates one or more business processes for an organization such as a
claims processing system for an insurance company or an order entry system for a retail
organization. A reporting system uses data from one or more operational systems to pro-
duce an evaluation of how part or all of the organization is performing. If we are building
an operational system, go relational because relational captures business processes and an
operational system automates business processes, so it is a perfect fit. If building a report-
ing system, continue to the next fork in the road, which is whether there is a requirement to
see text or numbers.
So, continuing down the path, if the only reporting requirements involve seeing text, such
as names, codes, or descriptions, go relational. If there is a need to see numbers, continue
