subject: The Advantages Of Consulting A Designer For Your Company's Database Needs [print this page] If you are about to install your company's first database or you need something new and improved, consulting with a good designer is the way to go. The do-it-yourself and off-the-rack software programs cannot possibly keep your business running smoothly, day in and day out.
Of course, deciding on a designer could be almost as difficult as identifying your company's current and future requirements. There are lots of designers out there. Some are obviously better than others. You should be able to tell the difference during the initial conversation.
Does the designer listen to your needs? Does he or she speak in techno-babble or talk down to you? Is there a positive or a negative attitude in the tone of the conversation?
While it is not always possible to say "yes" to a company's database needs, there is almost always a way to come up with a solution. In some cases, it depends on how much you are willing to invest in this initial set-up.
Investing more today could mean less of an investment tomorrow. There is no reason to over-pay for something, but if you are getting more benefits, such as integrated designs, the ability to interface, the latest in inventory tracking, etc, then you should be willing to pay more.
Not only should the designer that you choose provide initial consulting and planning, he, she or the team should be able to help you identify your company's requirements. You tell them about your business. They make suggestions.
Your company could need cash register technology, GPS tracking, RF tagging or all of the above. Although no one can see what lies in the future, a good consulting team may be able to help you identify your company's future needs as well.
There is no way to get this kind of customized database design with the software programs that are sold off the shelf today. Most of the large providers are unwilling to customize. They are barely willing to send you an instruction booklet regarding use. It's that hard to deal with them.
An individual designer or small consulting team could be just what your business needs to take advantage of the latest in today's technology.
Remember to ask about testing and how problems will be handled. You and your employees should be fully trained on how to use the new programs. If something fails during testing, you will want to know how the team will handle that failure.
With the right help, you can basically design your own personalized company database. That will keep your productivity high and your profits flowing.
