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Learning Team Assignment: DBMS Implementation Plan Resource: Virtual Organization for Huffman Trucking Write a 10-12 page plan for the implementation of an enterprise DBMS for Huffman Trucking. Assume that the Microsoft® Access Fleet Truck Maintenance Database listed on the Huffman Trucking intranet site has been implemented. Assume other departments within Huffman Trucking have stand-alone databases, at least one of which uses database software other than Microsoft® Access. Identify all of your assumptions.
Your plan should discuss the details and features of the DBMS that would be implemented, problems that would be addressed by the system implementation, and issues that might be incurred during the system’s implementation. Introduction With increasingly more data requiring to be saved, arranged, and accessed in an organization, the requirement to apply and use a good Database Management System (DBMS) has become essential. DBMS systems vary from an easy system for example Microsoft® Access to more complicated systems for example Structured Query Language (SQL) and Oracle.
The aim of this analysis is to look into the existing procedures being utilized in Huffman Trucking since they relate with data storing, organization, and accessibility and then to suggest what DBMS system might meet the requirements of the organization. This evaluation will start looking at the existing DBMS system being used by Huffman Trucking and determine the weaknesses and strengths of the existing process(s). After the research into the existing system is finished, our team will look at different DBMS systems to determine which system would be much better suited to Huffman Trucking.
As soon as the DBMS system is determined, our team will show the details and characteristics of the suggested DBMS system which Huffman Trucking must look into to buy and implement. Finally, our team will suggest an agenda for applying the suggested DBMS system, determine which issues in the existing Huffman Trucking might be fixed by using the system, and determine problems which may be incurred during the system’s execution. Requests, Analysis, and Responses Company’s Request
When the organization was small, having the ability to monitor everything from truck repair and company staff was relatively simple but; since the company has expanded a requirement for a better system has developed. Huffman Trucking has turned to our company to examine their existing database procedures, determine the weaknesses and strengths of their existing database system, and suggest both an improved database system as well as methods the system may be applied in the organization. Current Analysis for Huffman Trucking
About the Company: Huffman Trucking was established by K. Huffman in 1936, with a one semi-tractor trailer operation which has expanded to an operation which presently has more than eight hundred road tractors, more than 2,100 trailers, and more than 260 “roll-on/roll-off” units utilized to shift cargo off and on ships to their tractors. Presently the Company Office and Service Center is situated in Cleveland, OH, with other facilities in Los Angeles, CA, St. Louis, MO, as well as Bayonne, NJ. The organization employs more than 925 drivers as well as 425 support staff.
The organization forecasts that they will carry on growing therefore requiring additional vehicles, drivers as well as staff. Analysis of Current Database Processes Huffman Trucking presently uses a number of different database systems to incorporate Microsoft® Access, MySQL, as well as Microsoft® Excel files. Microsoft® Access is used by the maintenance division to save, arrange, and access 2 different maintenance databases to incorporate: Entities and Attributes for Driver’s Log and the Entities and Attributes for Fleet Truck Maintenance.
MySQL is presently used by the Human Resource division to save, arrange and get access to information on all associates in the organization. Though not a database management system, several individual divisions maintain data information saved and arranged on Microsoft® Excel spreadsheets (Apollo Group, 2004). Weaknesses of Current Database Processes Contrary to the strengths, there are several weak points regarding the existing database procedures. Firstly, there’s no continuity or uniformity of data from all divisions and places in the organization.
This may lead to data mistakes, duplicate data in the various systems used, and the failure to develop helpful information which can help Huffman Trucking make better company decisions. A lot of data is being saved and arranged on Excel spreadsheets, that can be lost if the computer system the data is saved might fail. These Excel spreadsheets also can just be accessed by some associates in the organization and might not be for other divisions or associates.
Using MySQL and Microsoft® Access assists however all the data being saved in the databases aren’t shared with most of the organization. Response to Company’s Request After assessing the existing database procedures used by Huffman Trucking, our company agrees with Huffman Trucking’s request to buy and apply a much better database system for the entire organization; this latest system would substitute their Microsoft® Access, MySQL, and Microsoft® Excel spreadsheets. Recommended DBMS It is suggested for Huffman Trucking to utilize a company database management system (DBMS).
For the reason that; Huffman Trucking needs a DBMS that would help various functions because big amount of data is saved on regular basis and that too at various places. A relational database system for example the Oracle 10g is a strongly recommended database for Huffman Trucking. Oracle 10g assigns an exclusive ID to each transaction or data that makes it simpler to save the data and also serves the objective of easily finding the data. Additionally, exclusive ID which is linked to the data remains same and can’t be modified. This saves on the expense of data redundancy whereby, ame data might be saved on many places by various users. Additionally, any data that has to be upgraded may be upgraded quickly and the upgraded file automatically replaces the last file. This will decrease the worry to have an upgraded file with some latest naming convention to ensure that during retrieval, the user recalls which one was the latest version. Though Oracle 10g DBMS might be a costly option regarding the expense of getting and applying this type of DBMS, it is still a valuable investment because it may be operated from one place and can tackle large volumes of data.
Another significant aspect is considering for future years. Huffman Trucking might be thinking about applying an ERP in future and this DBMS could be an ideal selection because most ERP systems, for example SAP and Oracle R12, are based on Oracle Databases and it will be simpler for Huffman Trucking to blend Oracle 10g with Oracle R12 or SAP. Additionally, the skilled assets will be used and will be useful during the use of Oracle R12 or SAP. Additionally, Oracle 10g is a dependable database from a famous system application provider, Oracle.
Consequently, there will be less data mistakes because of fault due to undesirable Database and if there come up a mistake, the metalink support supplied by Oracle is extremely effective to timely fix the problems about the databases. Additionally, the truth that databases are constantly upgraded by patches and upgrade files supplied by Oracle itself, will make sure that data safety stays unchanged and mistakes are eliminated prior to they are actually experienced by the organization.
After evaluating all the benefits linked with Oracle 10g, it may be determined that all the deficiencies in the existing DBMS at Huffman Trucking, shall be eliminated. There might be a cost factor which may hinder the management to consider shifting towards with the deal; however the advantages easily outweigh the expenses. Implementing the DBMS Implementation Plan Huffman Trucking isn’t different concerning applying a DBMS, every organization depends on a great DBMS just because it offers all the required tools in applying strategies, establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
As the data of a company is their most significant asset, establishing a plan to use the DBMS is extremely important. Huffman Trucking has got offices and hubs in 4 different towns across the country; using a DBMS which would provide the company’s workers access to their data both locally as well as remotely. The plan must concentrate on traditional file processing, file duplication, formats, as well as security.
This would also include determining which organizational hubs will be served directly, determining current and future applications which would be required, and significantly, which functions will be used. Determining the document needs is a vital step in that it provides a better option of DBMS supplier selection. Issues that can be solved by the Implementation Presently Huffman Trucking uses several database systems, the staffs are separately handling data, data duplication is yet another problem and the existing system is certain to security threats.
As per Anjard (1994), the key reason on applying a DBMS may be described as “decrease in data redundancy, upgrading mistakes and enhanced data uniformity, greater data integrity and independence from use, assisting development of latest programs, advancement in data safety, lowering of data, storage, and retrieval expenses, and overall improve data access to users”. With this new execution, Huffman Trucking can depend on the system for data administration and data adjustment and utilizing questions to get helpful information.
Data management as well as data adjustment are two main characteristics of database system. Having more than one place across the country, the latest execution brings data uniformity and data concurrency. Having a multiuser database, several Huffman’s workers (users) can access data simultaneously and data uniformity make each user sees a uniform view of a data, incorporating noticeable modifications by other users and the user. Workers won’t need to save important company papers on their local machines; it can be accessed from shared servers in the network.
All hubs have accessibility to data all over the Huffman’s facilities; this will enhance effectiveness and efficiency significantly. The Human Resource Division will have access to every worker record; also managers and other workers who have limited access to sensitive papers. As presently, “the compensation manager keeps Excel spreadsheet with results of job analyses, salary surveys, as well as personal compensation decisions” (Apollo Group, 2004); this information may be handled by the DBMS providing access to limited users only.
This information shouldn’t be placed by a person; the organization must be capable to access information such as this to get helpful information for comparison and analytical functions. Issues that may be incurred during Implementation One main problem which most organizations encounter when implementing the latest DBMS is the expense, others vary from its complexity to size cumbersome. The expense underlying execution of DBMS comprises software and hardware, transformation of files-for example file-based to database.
Huffman Trucking income report indicates the net income below twenty thousand dollars through the years 2005 and 2006; DBMS are extremely costly, an organization must do detail research prior to selecting which system to use. A few DBMS expenses might be reduced based on the characteristics as well as functions which are needed by the company. Other problems aren’t restricted to working in the software and hardware standards of the company and utilizing present resources to reduce cost.
Time and economic limitations must be taken into consideration; the requirements of the company must be met. Employees’ capability to get accustomed to the latest system must also be considered; the system will provide a major improvement to the company but might have a damaging as well as challenging influence on the users. Database systems are complicated, a highly trained staff will assist ease the conversion procedure. Every worker who requires to makes use of the system must be skilled, or the users will rebel and the system will fail. Conclusion Discussion starts here . . .