Planning the Database

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hi was wondering if using outline view in Word would be the best way to
create a "blueprint" for a database I wish to create, or is there some other
option that would be better?

Also, what would be the main items I should make sure to include?

Included, of course, would be the goal of the database, the scope, the
processes used to gather data, the forms, reports, queries, etc. required,
time-frames, who is in charge of what.

Does anyone know of a good Web site that would have suggestions on what to
make sure to include, perhaps a general step-by-step process of creating a
database, from planning to creating objects, normalizing, etc.?

Thanks!
 
Get the tables right first!!

I use a method I developed to create a map of the tables. The map shows
every table in the database, all the fields in each table, all the
relationships between the tables and the type of relationship for each
relationship. The tables are generally arranged in the flow of data through
the database. A map visually shows where forms and subforms are needed and
visually shows what reports and subreports can be created. I create a map
for every database I develop and keep the map at my fingertips the entire
time I am working on the database. When a database is completed, I include a
copy of the map with the database for the customer. I keep a map of the
tables in my files for every job. It proves invaluable if a customer asks
for more work in the future.

I have analyzed databases for many customers who have asked me to look at
the design of their tables and relationships. I create a map when doing
this, keep notes as I create the map and provide the custoner the map and
comments at the end of my analysis.

PC Datasheet
Providing Customers A Resource For Help With Access, Excel And Word
Applications
(e-mail address removed)
 
Thanks for your response. What does a "map" include and look like? Do you
have any suggestions? I have previously used tables in Word... What is the
information you include?


--
Thanks!

Dee


Steve said:
Get the tables right first!!

I use a method I developed to create a map of the tables. The map shows
every table in the database, all the fields in each table, all the
relationships between the tables and the type of relationship for each
relationship. The tables are generally arranged in the flow of data through
the database. A map visually shows where forms and subforms are needed and
visually shows what reports and subreports can be created. I create a map
for every database I develop and keep the map at my fingertips the entire
time I am working on the database. When a database is completed, I include a
copy of the map with the database for the customer. I keep a map of the
tables in my files for every job. It proves invaluable if a customer asks
for more work in the future.

I have analyzed databases for many customers who have asked me to look at
the design of their tables and relationships. I create a map when doing
this, keep notes as I create the map and provide the custoner the map and
comments at the end of my analysis.

PC Datasheet
Providing Customers A Resource For Help With Access, Excel And Word
Applications
(e-mail address removed)
Click to expand...
 
suggest you pick up a copy of Database Design for Mere Mortals by Michael J.
Hernandez. it is an excellent step-by-step guide to data modeling using
relational design principles.

hth
 
A map looks similar to what you see when you open Relationships for tables.
My response describes the information that is included.

PC Datasheet
Providing Customers A Resource For Help With Access, Excel And Word
Applications
(e-mail address removed)




dee said:
Thanks for your response. What does a "map" include and look like? Do
you
have any suggestions? I have previously used tables in Word... What is
the
information you include?
Click to expand...
 
Back
Top