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Database Development

When having a custom database developed the client can be certain of the following things:

• Database accurately records the information requested.
• Delivery on time and within budget.

These are the two most important goals in delivering a database solution.
We will be working with the client to ensure the business needs are mapped out and met and that the client knows how the project is going towards each milestone.

Database Development

We meet the demanding requirements of database development by creating well-designed database applications that both meet the client’s current information requirements and are scalable for future developments.

• Consider the development of your database to be similar to the construction of a house.

When a client views their database in this manner they can more readily appreciate the need to take the time to ensure that a database is specified fully. The simplest example is to imagine that you have approved the construction of your house and after the builders have begun building you request a structural change. This change may necessitate the destroying of walls that have already been built. Similarly then, in a database the further into development we progress the harder it is to include even a “simple” change and the more the cost of the database escalates.
By understanding the database and the general software development cycle a client can ensure their database is developed in the most cost-effective manner.

• Tables are relational and well designed.

Databases are all relational, with well-designed relationships between tables. They are designed with scalability in mind to allow the client to develop further as needed.

• Code is standardized and flexible with an emphasis on readability.

Code adheres to general programming, field and variable naming conventions. This frees the client to develop their databases at a later date by using either in-house or outside programmers. All code is both well documented and simple to increase the speed of any further development.

• Graphical Interface

The graphical interface to the database needs to accommodate the primary needs of each area of the database. Is the form primarily used for data entry or information display?  We build interfaces that are appropriate to the requirements of different users.
 

Development Cycle

1. Needs Analysis & Database Design

We work with the client to ensure the business needs are fully covered.
Every best effort is made to analyse the database and suggest fields and tables that may be of benefit to ensure that the information required of the database is fully specified.
The deliverable from this stage is a Needs Analysis Document and the tables and fields for the database have been created.

2. Form Design and Coding

Form design is an iterative process of development and approval of the direction of the database. Simply put we will agree with the client on what we are working on next in the database and return with that output for approval. This is particularly necessary for reports where layout and design can increase costs.

• Mock Forms & Reports

We build a mock database. In building terms this could be considered a scale model. The mock forms & reports will allow the client to get an idea of how the database will look and how they will interact with it. Simple data entry will be possible at this stage to get a feel for how you will use the database.

• Completed Database

Forms and reports will be built to specification. From this stage on redeveloping the database will typically require a new budget. It is often best if new information requirements are set aside for future work.

3. Debugging

Debugging is a normal part of any software development and is performed in general as the forms are being completed.

4. Data Security

This is dependent upon the database platform developed for and will have been considered in the database design. It is largely an issue of who internally has access to what data.