A well-built and maintained database is the backbone of every successful application, company, sales team, or think tank. It is the key to unlocking the value of the data that these entities produce and collect. Without an effective database solution, this valuable information becomes useless.
Databases are what make the online world so fascinating. They enable us to deliver dynamic and personalized experiences to users without the need for individualized applications. A well-made database provides users with the latest and most relevant information in a useful manner.
If your client or team wants to take their company to the next level, they likely need a database. However, they may not know how to ask for it or what to look for. Building an ineffective database is worse than having no database at all.
Determine what problem you’re solving
To start building the right database, you need to determine what problem you are solving. Your team or client will inform you about the pain points they are facing. But it’s important to dig deeper and understand the root cause of the problem. Asking lots of questions is the best way to uncover their needs and create the right solution.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and you will for sure know the exact problem they want to resolve. However, building a database should solve a problem, not the symptom of the problem. You will have to do some investigating to make sure you create the right solution to fix their problem.
Here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- Please explain your business to me.
- Which processes are you looking to automate or improve?
- Do you have any reports you need to generate?
- Do you need inputs to any other systems?
- Do you have any regulatory requirements for data access and storage, such as HIPAA?
- Do you need the ability to audit record changes?
- What internal controls need to be reflected in the database?
- What business rules must be followed under certain circumstances?
- How large do you expect the data to grow?
- How flexible do you want the system to be?
- Do you need a separate data warehouse for reporting?
- How do you need the data to be populated?
- What databases do you currently have licensing for? Do you require the new database to integrate with it?
- Will different users require different types of access?
- Do you need to migrate data from the old system?
Once you have determined the immediate needs, conduct research to understand your client’s or team’s daily activities and how a database can assist them. Observing their current database usage and company operations can provide valuable insights.
With this information, you can develop a sustainable database structure that meets their current needs and remains flexible for future changes.
Research your resources
Before starting the work of building a database, research your available resources, what you need to acquire, and any limitations you might face. It’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary tools upfront.
Present your plan
To demonstrate your value as a database developer, present your plan to the client. Highlight the problems you are solving, propose a plan for building the database, and outline the cost of software and hardware needed. Explain how your database design will help them perform their jobs, close more sales, satisfy more clients, and grow their company.
Having a plan in front of them will give the client a better understanding of what you can do for them and may bring up overlooked details. It also allows them to ensure they have everything they need to implement the database effectively.
After the build
After building the database, document every step and create user manuals and training materials. The first few days of implementation and training are crucial to maintaining the long-term effectiveness of the database. Pay attention to proper input of new information, address any new pain points, reconcile old data, and ensure the end user can effectively export or download necessary information.
Creating an effective database is simple if you ask the right questions and formulate a solid plan. Preparation on the front end saves time and ensures a focused development and straightforward implementation.
