INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE MANAGEMENT - Concepts of Database Management - page 12

12

Parts

PartNum Description Warehouse Price

OnHand Class

AT94 Iron

Home Gym

50
45
32
21
8
12
22
12
8
9

HW
SG
AP
HW
AP
AP
HW
AP
AP
SG

3
2
1
3
2
3
3
1
3
2

$24.95
$794.95
$165.00
$129.95
$495.00
$399.99
$159.95
$349.95
$595.00
$1,390.00

BV06
CD52
DL71
DR93

Microwave Oven

Cordless Drill

Gas Range

DW11 Washer

FD21
KL62
KT03
KV29

Stand Mixer

Dryer

Dishwasher

Treadmill

FIGURE 1-12 Parts report

ADVANTAGES OF DATABASE PROCESSING

The database approach to processing offers nine clear advantages over alternative data management methods.
These advantages are listed in Figure 1-13 and are discussed on the following pages.

1.
2.

Getting more information from the same amount of data

Sharing data

3.
4.
5.

Balancing conflicting requirements
Controlling redundancy

Facilitating consistency

6.
7.

Improving integrity

Expanding security

8.
9.

Increasing productivity
Providing data independence

FIGURE 1-13 Advantages of database processing

1. Getting more information from the same amount of data. The primary goal of a computer sys-
tem is to turn data (recorded facts) into information (the knowledge gained by processing those facts).
In a nondatabase, file-oriented environment, data often is partitioned into several disjointed sys-
tems, with each system having its own collection of files. Any request for information that necessi-
tates accessing data from more than one of these collections can be extremely difficult. In some
cases, for all practical purposes, it is impossible. Thus, the desired information is unavailable—it has
been stored in the computer, but it is scattered across multiple files. When all the data for the vari-
ous systems is stored in a single database, however, the information becomes available. Given the
power of a DBMS, the information is available, and the process of getting it is quick and easy.
2. Sharing data. The data of various users can be combined and shared among authorized users,
allowing all users access to a greater pool of data. Several users can have access to the same piece
of data—for example, a customer's address—and still use it in a variety of ways. When one user