by noah | Sep 18, 2021 | Database
As a business owner, you’ll want to store human resources information in a safe, secure and stable location. Human resources information is sensitive because it contains workplace complaints, disciplinary problems, drug testing, workers compensation incidents, employee medical issues and more. The best way to store this sensitive data is in digital form.
Let’s take a look at what an HR database is and the benefits of having one for your business.
What is an HR Database?
An HR database is a central hub for employee information. Human resources departments use this software to track the following types of data:
- Employee details
- Holiday details
- Absenteeism rates
- Work rota schedule
- Standard working hours
- Clocking in and out times
- Employee timesheets
- Business expenses
Because this information is sensitive, there are many legal considerations to consider. You should know how to store this data under HIPAA and the GDPR, as well as know how long you can keep it. This applies to both current employees, former staff members and job applicants.
How Can an HR Database Help Your Business?
Once you have an HR database set up for your business, you won’t look back! These databases streamline your HR processes and keep data stored in a safe environment. This way, you can show your employees that you take their confidentiality seriously.
Here are some of the benefits to expect by having an HR database for your business:
- Efficiency. Maintaining an HR database streamlines your team’s productivity. All the information they need to make data-driven decisions is in one central location.
- Cost-effectiveness. In the long run, having an HR database can save your business money. Your database will be working for you so your staff can focus on other tasks. Also, keeping sensitive information secure can prevent a costly breach.
- Accuracy. When you need to make decisions, it’s imperative that you rely on accurate information. With a database, there are fewer HR errors, allowing you to make sound decisions.
- Improved regulatory compliance. Store all sensitive data in one place so that it’s easier to stay in compliance with the GDPR. This also shows employees that you care about their privacy.
Should Your Business Have an HR Database?
Chances are, your business can benefit from an HR database. Many small and medium sized businesses are often unsure about this, but based on the benefits above, you can see how these databases can help your business run more efficiently while keeping employee information safe.
In fact, as a smaller business, you probably lack the resources to handle a security breach. Fortunately, you don’t need anything elaborate or expensive to get the job done. You can use Microsoft Access to build an HR database or work with a database expert like Arkware to have one created for you.
To learn more about HR databases and how they can support your business operations, contact Arkware for a free consultation.
by noah | Sep 8, 2021 | Database
Databases are very important for businesses because they communicate information, track customer profiles and monitor product inventory. With this information, you can improve efficiency, make data-driven decisions and avoid redundancy. However, your database can only be as reliable as you make it. Below are 10 tips and tricks to help you manage an efficient database.
1. Back up everything
Be diligent with your backups to prevent data loss. You can do this by backing up data to the cloud, saving it to an external hard drive or putting it on a flash drive. We recommend backing up to the cloud because it’s safe, secure and automated.
2. Prioritize data security
Data must be secured, both physically and virtually. You should also encrypt all data in case you are ever hacked. Be sure to invest in multi-layer protection that includes firewalls, multi-factor authentication, anti-virus software and regular security training.
3. Ensure compliance
Make sure you’re aware of the latest data rules and regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for example, has strict requirements when it comes to collecting and using user data. If you fail to comply with these policies, you could face a hefty fine.
4. Create a data recovery plan
Even the best data security policies can fall victim to an attack. Create a data recovery plan so that you know what to do if disaster strikes. Your plan should include things like who is responsible for the data and the steps to follow in the event of a breach.
5. Standardize data entry policies
Ensure everyone in the workplace is properly trained on data entry. Even the smallest errors can prove detrimental when working with large sets of data.
6. Collect only what you need
Just because you can collect data doesn’t mean you should. Only collect the information you need. This makes it easier to understand your data and stay in compliance with the latest privacy regulations.
7. Make your data accessible
Don’t make your database inaccessible to others. Users should have some access to your database so that they can use and apply the information you’re collecting.
8….But also be smart about granting access
Of course, you don’t want to grant access to your entire company. Be selective about who you give access to, and modify their permissions so that they’re only able to do certain things in the database.
9. Keep everything up to date
Keep your database up to date by adding new data immediately, deleting information that is no longer needed and normalizing your database (this avoids redundant data). Also make sure you follow all updates.
10. Enlist help from a database expert
If you need help creating, managing or updating your database, contact a database expert for help. Having these services on hand ensures you’re always using the best version of your database.
Arkware is a database programming company that builds and maintains databases for our customers. Contact us today to learn more about how to manage an efficient database for your business.
by noah | Aug 25, 2021 | Database
Databases are a critical part of our world. We use them without even realizing it, such as when buying something online, logging into a streaming service or checking a bank statement. The concept of a database existed long before computers were invented. The difference is that these databases were on paper and stored in journals, libraries and filing cabinets.
Paper databases were not nearly as efficient as what we have today. Paper takes up a lot of space and makes it difficult to find specific information. And certainly, you couldn’t just backup your paper database, which meant these files were vulnerable to damage from water or fire.
With the invention of computers, databases have become much easier to organize, store and manage. Let’s learn more about the history of databases and how they help our world run efficiently.
1960s – The Beginning
Before the 1960s, databases did exist, but they were developed by large organizations like hospitals and government offices. In the 1960s, the first computerized databases were developed. The two popular data models at this time were a hierarchical model called IMS and a network model called CODASYL.
1970s – Introduction of Relational Databases
In the 1970s, the relational database model was proposed, changing the way people thought about databases. In this model, the schema (or logical organization) is disconnected from physical information storage. This became the basic foundation for database systems from this point forward.
In the late 1970s, another database model called Entity-Relationship was proposed. This model focuses on data application instead of logical table structure. It is a graphical approach to database design and used by software engineers, education departments and researchers.
1980s – SQL Becomes the Standard Query Language
SQL (Structured Query Language) became the standard query language in the 1980s. SQL lets people access and manipulate databases so that they can retrieve data, update or delete records, create stored procedures and more. We still use this language today.
Additionally, relational databases grew significantly during the 1980s, while earlier navigational models were phased out.
1990s – The Internet
The birth of the internet led to exponential growth for the database industry. It was now easier than ever to create, store and manage databases – and now they could be shared with multiple people in different places. High investments in online businesses also led to the demand for client-server database systems.
2000s – NoSQL
Database applications continued to grow in the 2000s, and NoSQL (not only structured language) databases became popular. NoSQL databases are useful for unstructured data and grew significantly during the 2000s because of the ability to process large, more diverse databases.
2010s-Today – Big Data and Cybersecurity
The 2010s were all about data awareness. Big data was a major buzzword and it meant that databases had to collect, organize and make use of a large amount of data. To help with this, automation software became popular. This was also a time when people began to value the integrity of their data and how to keep it safe.
Databases have a long and rich history, and we continue to see them improve year after year. No wonder why today, we find ourselves using databases in most of the things we do!
by noah | Aug 15, 2021 | Database
A flat file database is a collection of data stored in a two-dimensional database. These files are stored as plain text and have no markup, separating relational data with a comma. Flat file databases are not the same as relational databases, which use multiple tables to store information. However, you can import flat files into Microsoft Access.
Let’s learn more about flat file databases, how they are structured and when you should use them.
Understanding Flat File Databases
A flat file is a simple database in which similar strings of data are stored as records in a table. Microsoft Excel is a great example of a flat file database. In fact, it accounts for 90 percent of flat file databases!
In Excel, the columns of the table represent one dimension of the database, while each row is a separate record. Generally speaking, flat files contain information that is alphanumeric and requires very little formatting.
To show the difference between Microsoft Excel and a relational database, let’s look at this example.
- A retail shop plans to store customer information in a database. If they choose Excel, they will only have a single table, with each record describing an individual order.
- If the retail business chooses a relational database, they can have multiple tables. One might have the order ID and another the customer information. Rather than duplicating customer data, each order refers to the corresponding entry in the customer table.
How Microsoft Excel is Structured
A flat file database has a simple structure. The first row contains the field name for each column, and each row after that represents a single record. Each row has the same type of information. This information is defined by the columns, which describe the type of data and sets a limit on the number of characters allowed to be in the field information.
Columns are separated by a comma or tab, and there are no predetermined limits for the number of rows there may be. With its simple setup, Excel databases are best used for the following purposes:
- Name and address files
- Membership lists
- Class rosters
- Customer information
- Team players
- Call logs
Is Microsoft Excel Right for You? Contact Arkware for a Consultation
Data that has an uncomplicated structure and a smaller footprint can benefit from Excel. But if you have complex data or want to avoid redundancy and duplicate data, you’ll definitely need to upgrade to a relational database. To learn more about flat file databases like Excel, when to use them and how to import them to MS Access, contact Arkware today.
by noah | Jul 22, 2021 | Database
If you’re currently using Microsoft Excel as your database, you probably want to rethink this. Excel is a great tool for creating spreadsheets and performing calculations with restricted data sets, but it’s not the best database tool. However, many people continue to use Excel as a database because it’s simple and familiar.
Luckily, you can upgrade to Microsoft Access, a database management system that stores information. Access is user-friendly, even for beginners, offering a similar look and feel to other Microsoft products. And, you can convert your Excel spreadsheets to your database.
Let’s discuss the biggest signs that your business or organization has outgrown Excel and why a database program like Access is a better fit.
Your Workflows are More Complex
Excel works fine for simple, linear workflows. But once your workflows become complex, it’s time to upgrade to a database program like Access. This way, you can easily enter or display information for various types of related information.
Your Data is Growing
Once you start to accumulate large amounts of data, it’s time to move away from Excel. Excel has a limitation on the number of records per sheet, and it can suffer performance issues as your data grows. You can separate the data into many sheets, but this eventually becomes a big headache, especially if you can’t make sense of your data.
There is Less Security
Another shortfall with Excel is its lack of security. Excel does give you the option to password protect your spreadsheets, but it’s a delicate system. However, there are tools online that make it easy for people to unlock protected files without having to know the password. To protect your data, it’s worth moving up to Access. And, you can choose what permissions to give each user.
Collaboration is Difficult
Collaboration is a lot more difficult on Excel than it is on Access. Even when you use multi-user editing or store your spreadsheet on a shared server, it’s easy for errors to happen. One of the most common errors: people overwriting each other’s work. If you require multiple users to access your data, a database program is the way to go.
Your Tasks are Tedious
Do you feel that you’re spending more time having to complete tedious tasks on Excel? This doesn’t have to be your norm. Database programs like Access have tools and features to make you most productive with your time. You can automate many of your tasks and reduce redundancies by storing related data.
These are just some of the reasons why Excel is not the best solution for your database. We understand that it’s familiar and easy to understand, but there are better options out there. If you’re looking for something simple and user-friendly, you’ll feel right at home with Access. Contact Arkware today to learn more about your database options.
by noah | Jul 2, 2021 | Database
Even though database dependencies are common, they are known to confuse students and database professionals. Fortunately, they’re not as complicated as they seem – you just need to get used to working with them. Let’s learn more about database dependencies, why they’re important and the different dependency types to be aware of.
What are Database Dependencies and Why Do They Matter?
A database dependency is a constraint that defines the relationship between attributes. It happens when information stored in the same database table uniquely determines other information stored in the same table. It’s important to understand what database dependencies are because they provide the basic building blocks for database normalization.
Normalization is the process of efficiently organizing data in a database. There are two main objectives with database normalization. The first is to eliminate redundant data and the second is to ensure data dependencies make sense. By doing this, you can reduce the amount of space a database consumes and make sure the data is stored logically.
What are the Different Types of Database Dependencies?
Let’s explore some of the most common database dependency types so that you can get a better feel for how they work.
- Functional dependency. A functional dependency occurs when the information stored in a table can uniquely determine other information in the same table. Think of it as an association between two attributes of the same relation.
- Full functional dependency. A full functional dependency happens when you already meet the requirements for a functional dependency, and the set of attributes on the left side of the functional dependency statement can’t be further reduced.
- Trivial functional dependency. When you describe a functional dependency of an attribute on a collection of attributes that include the original attribute, it’s called a trivial functional dependency. It’s called “trivial” because it’s based on common sense.
- Transitive dependency. Transitive dependencies occur when there is an indirect relationship that causes a functional dependency.
- Multivalued dependency. When one or more rows in a table implies the presence of one or more other rows in the same table, it’s considered a multivalued dependency.
- Partial dependency. A partial dependency occurs when a non-prime attribute is functionally dependent on part of the candidate key.
Arkware is Experienced in Database Dependencies
Database dependencies can be difficult to understand. Thankfully, you are not left to your own devices. Arkware is a team of experienced database experts who can help you set up and maintain a powerful database. Contact us today to learn more about database dependencies and why they matter to your database.
