Database and application programs

Shibin Mohamed Iqbal

Databases and Applications Programs

What is database?
A database is a collection of data that is related to particular topic or purpose. For example,
employee records in a filing cabinet, a collection of sales leads in a notebook, etc. A database is a
tool for collecting and organizing information. Databases can store information about people,
products, orders, or anything else. Many databases start as a list in a word-processing program
or spreadsheet. As the list grows bigger, redundancies and inconsistencies begin to appear in the
data.
Why do we need to use database?
Databases is used when

large amount of information would become unmanageable in spreadsheet form and is

related to a particular subject.

One need to maintain records for ingoing use

The information is subject to many changes such as change of address, pricing, changes,
etc.

Need for generating reports based on the information.

How does a database function?

The usefulness of a database organization is particularly evident in integrated design or
management environments. In these systems, numerous applications programs share a common
store of information. Data is drawn from the central database as needed by individual programs.
Information requests are typically performed by including pre-defined function calls to the
database management system within an application program. Results from one program are stored
in the database and can be used by subsequent programs without specialized translation routines.
Additionally, a user interface usually exists by which a project manager can directly make queries
to the database.

Example:
An architectural system for design can provide an example of an integrated system. First, a
database can serve the role of storing a library of information on standard architectural features
and component properties. These standard components can be called from the database library and
introduced into a new design. The database can also store the description of a new design, such as
the number, type and location of individual building components. The design itself can be
composed using an interactive graphics program. This program would have the capability to store
a new or modified design in the database. A graphics program typically has the capability to
compose numerous, two or three dimensional views of a design, to introduce shading (to represent
shadows and provide greater realism to a perspective), and to allow editing (including moving,
replicating, or sizing individual components). Once a design is completed and its description stored
in a database, numerous analysis programs can be applied, such as:
structural analysis,
daylight contour programs to produce plots of available daylight in each room,
a heat loss computation program
area, volume and materials quantities calculations.
Production information can also be obtained from the integrated system, such as:
dimensioned plans, sections and elevations,
component specifications,
construction detail specifications,

 electrical layout,
system isometric drawings,
bills of quantities and materials.
The advantage of an integrated system of this sort is that each program need only be designed to
communicate with a single database. Accomplishing appropriate transformations of data between
each pair of programs would be much more difficult. Moreover, as new applications are required,
they can be added into an integrated system without extensive modifications to existing programs.
For example, a library of specifications language or a program for joint design might be included
in the design system described above. Similarly, a construction planning and cost estimating
system might also be added.
The use of integrated systems with open access to a database is not common for construction
activities at the current time. Typically, commercial systems have a closed architecture with simple
data files or a "captive," inaccessible database management system. However, the benefits of an
open architecture with an accessible database are considerable as new programs and requirements
become available over time.
Example: An Integrated System Design

As an example, Figure illustrates the computer aided engineering (CAE) system

envisioned for the knowledge and information-intensive construction industry of the
future. In this system, comprehensive engineering and "business" databases support
different functions throughout the life time of a project. The construction phase itself
includes overlapping design and construction functions. During this construction
phase, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) aids
are available to the project manager. Databases recording the "as-built" geometry and
specifications of a facility as well as the subsequent history can be particularly useful
during the use and maintenance life cycle phase of the facility. As changes or repairs
are needed, plans for the facility can be accessed from the database.
Database application programs
A computer program that interacts with the database by issuing an appropriate request

(typically an SQL statement) to the DBMS. Users interact with the database through a
number of application programs (used to create & maintain the database & to generate
information) written in some programming language. Software programs used for storing,
modifying, extracting, and searching for information within a database.

 There are dozens of database application programs available. Some of the more popular

database software applications include desktop solutions like Microsoft Access and
FileMaker Pro and server solutions like MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.
Database application for various fields:
Accounting Applications:
Accounting system uses custom database application used to manage financial data. Custom
forms are used to record assets, liabilities, inventory and the transactions between customers
and suppliers. The income statements, balance sheets, purchase orders and invoices
generated are custom reports based upon information that is entered into the database.
Accounting applications can run on a single computer suitable for a small business or in a
networked shared environment to accommodate the needs of multiple departments and
locations in larger organizations.
"Microsoft Money," "Quicken," "QuickBooks" and "Peachtree" are accounting systems built upon
database applications.
CRM Applications

The customer relationship management system (CRM) is another example of a database

application that has been customized to manage the marketing, sales, and support
relationships between a business and its customers. The ultimate goal is to maximize sales,
minimize costs and foster strategic customer relationships.
Simple contact management programs such as ACT, or the task manager in Microsoft's
Outlook can be customized to suit the needs of individuals and small businesses. SAP,
Salesforce.com, and Oracle's Siebel are robust CRM database applications suitable for larger
enterprises.

Web Applications
Many contemporary web sites are built using several database applications simultaneously as core
components. "Bestbuy.com," and "Amazon.com" use database systems to store, update and

present data about products for sale. These Web sites also combine an accounting database
system to record sales transactions and a CRM database application to incorporate feedback
and drive a positive customer experience. The popular Web-based "Facebook" application
is essentially a database built upon the "MySQL" database system and is an indication of the
increasing usage of database applications as foundations for Web-based applications.
Construction projects
Construction projects inevitably generate enormous and complex sets of information.
Effectively managing this bulk of information to insure its availability and accuracy is an

important managerial task. Databases enable handling and managing large volume of data
required for the projects. Oracle Primavera, SAP, Penta, Dataforma etc are some commonly
used database applications used in construction idustry.