Database Design Buyer's Guide
How database development works
Once you have these answers, you can discuss your database development needs with a designer. Simply relay your overall needs including what information you need to track, how this information will be entered, and the types of reports you want to run.
Assuming you require a custom application for your database development, the designer will create a specification document that details the functionality and design you need. For lower-level details, such as the schema that defines what data the tables will store, the designer will put together a technical design document. As the client, you should carefully read the full document and approve it only when you are satisfied that this blueprint will result in the application you want.
As you review what will be created, make sure the flow seems logical and you can get the data you need with as few keystrokes as possible. In addition, you should also make sure the database development only includes the key features you need. Many functions and applications that you or the designer dream up may seem interesting — but they are likely to go unused and add extra cost to your project.
With a completed specification, your application is ready to be developed. The database developer will work on his or her own or with a group of software engineers to create the tables and software code that enables the data to be created, added, modified, and deleted as necessary. A reporting system is also developed at this time.
Once developed, the designer will test the application by using "dummy data" or by importing your raw data into the database using delimited text or a spreadsheet file. This will demonstrate how the database treats your information and how the reports will generate. Inevitably, software glitches will come up that need to be fixed so it can be ready to be used by your company.
When it's time to roll out your database, the design team will install the program onto your server or wherever your database will reside. Your database designer may need to meet with your IT team to coordinate the best time for installation and testing. Before this project is considered complete, you and your team will perform a final round of user testing to catch any remaining bugs before relying on it for daily use.
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