I am still finding business applications every week that could benefit enormously from being web-based. And many organisations rely on key business information being held
on home-grown spreadsheets and databases. Let me say that I am all in favour of spreadsheets! They provide excellent data analysis and reporting tools, but they are not the
right place to store your data. Nowadays, desktop databases are easy to use, and are rich in functionality. However, they are only as good as the design of the data structure itself,
and this is the single most important factor in building a successful and robust application. Additionally, a desktop database will never meet the needs of a growing
company, it does not scale well, and does not lend itself to reliable information sharing.
Key advantages to web-enabling your business application:
- Straightforward deployment throughout your organisation - no installation & rollout plan
- Updates are automatic, company wide, and without user involvement
- Your data is secure, and resides on dedicated and protected servers rather than local storage
- New information is instantly available to all users, reports are always up-to-date
- Lightweight footprint - your browser is all you need
- Can deploy automated email within the application
- If required, your data can be easily shared with other applications
The first step in the design process is that all important database structure - it's like a map of your business. And that means involving you, because no-one else will
understand your business as well. So I will visit you and learn about the day-to-day practical realities, at "the sharp end". The next stage is to translate that business model
into a database structure that can efficiently work with it, whilst being flexible, adaptable, fast and robust.
The resulting structure is then built and installed on your new web site. At this stage, it's just a database, nothing more. We can probably import most of your existing data
into it, provided that it's in a structured format, and that it "fits" the new structure. The next stage is to build the web application - the bit you see, and depending on your target audience,
the first thing that your potential customers or the general public see. So it's important that it works well, it is simple to use, and that it reflects a professional organisation.
All the required forms and reports are designed, and the pages that form the backbone of the application. This is another area where your user's involvement is desirable, as they are
going to be using these daily. The reporting requirements often dictate the underlying data structure, so these need to be established. Consistency of appearance and "look and feel" is
important, and will significantly reduce any need for training.
Once the application is built and installed on the web server, there is a period of testing, and any necessary rework is done. All too frequently in the IT world, there's never
enough time to do the job properly, but always enough time to redo it! So working together, we will get it right the first time.
I take pride in my work, and always remember that my work is out there for all to see.
"We were very pleased with the flexible design approach, and the way in which it accommodated our many different needs. Our database has been invaluable in producing the kind of reports that hitherto required many hours of manual detective work. As new requirements have arisen, Charles has always responded with the solution in a timely manner."
Tim Tod, CEO Young Devon
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