Bespoke Database Solutions How Do They Work
As with the majority of UK businesses, your company almost certainly accumulates a wide range of data over time. It is also likely that this data is stored in various locations across your organisation. Because data can be used as a foundation for making effective business decisions, it should be treated with the utmost care. For this reason, you should consider obtaining bespoke database solutions by doing custom database software development for your company.
But what is a bespoke database and how do customised solutions work?
Bespoke Database Explained
Also known as a “custom database”, a bespoke database can be developed to meet the specific needs of your business organisation. Unlike off-the-shelf products, a custom database will give you complete control over which features of a database and specifications to incorporate. You will also have a say over their future development. As a result, you can save money by excluding features you don’t need. More importantly, there will be no need for you to adapt to the database because it will be tailored to fulfil the exact requirements of you and your staff.
Main Advantages of a Custom Database
Besides being cost-effective, a custom database can offer your business a whole host of other benefits.
1. Store your data in a single location
One of the most significant advantages of a bespoke database is that all the information you need can be stored in one place. As you know, it can be quite difficult to manage data if it is stored across multiple locations. Not only do you have to spend time looking for a particular piece of data, but it can also be challenging to ensure that it is secure.
Fortunately, with a bespoke database, you no longer have to worry about data tracking and security; you can quickly access all your data in one safe, secure and easy-to-find location.
2. Ensure data integrity
It is common practice for businesses and organisations to use Excel spreadsheets to manage their data. However, spreadsheets were never intended to be used as a database; although they can be easily created, they have limitations that could harm your business.
For instance, a BBC report revealed that more than 15,000 people who tested positive for Covid-19 were not included in the government’s contact tracing and infection counts. The culprit? The spreadsheet that the UK authorities were using to handle this data. These Covid-19-positive patients were excluded from the final tally because the spreadsheet ran out of space.
Using an appropriate database system will enable you to avoid this type of problem. As there is no limit to the amount of information you can store in a database, you can ensure the accuracy and integrity of your company’s data.
Obtaining Custom Database Solutions
If you are interested in obtaining a custom database management system, here’s what to expect.
1. Consultation
When you contact a bespoke database solutions provider, the first thing they will do is arrange a consultation. For instance, at Web Alliance, we utilise the consultation process to identify the specific needs of our clients. Because no two businesses are entirely alike, our team will pay particular attention to your unique requirements as this will enable us to analyse and identify the system you need.
Next, we will develop a brief/proposal based on this preliminary information. Our team will present and discuss the brief with you so that everyone in your company can develop a keen understanding of the proposed database and how it will work. We will also provide you with a detailed quotation to let you know how much the bespoke database system will cost.
2. Database development
Once you and your chosen developer have agreed on the database cost and parameters, the next stage involves software development. During the development process, the database developer should be in constant communication with you in order to keep you updated about the software’s progress and/or any challenges they may have encountered.
Furthermore, a reputable database developer will contact you, and seek your approval, before making any changes to the software that were not specified in the initial brief. They will also provide you with a timeline to ensure deadlines are being met.
3. Data migration
Once the database has been built, the next stage is data migration. If you are using an old database system, all the previously stored data will be transferred to the new customised system. Usually, it is at this point that your chosen developers will teach your staff how to use your database management system and make the most of its features.
4. Hosting your database
You can either host your bespoke database on your company’s servers or those of your software developer. If you don’t have your own server, it would be advisable to allow the database developers to provide you with a hosting service.
For example, besides offering bespoke database solutions, Web Alliance will provide our clients with a safe and secure hosting platform. By hosting your database on our servers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is always in capable hands.
Keep Your Data Safe with a Custom Database System
Generating more and more data can give your business a significant competitive advantage. The more data you acquire, the more opportunities you will have to analyse your business and your customers’ needs. This will allow you to identify the steps you need to take to ensure your company’s growth and success. However, your data should be stored and managed correctly.
A bespoke database system can provide excellent data security and integrity. As all of its features are tailored specifically to your company’s needs, you can enjoy maximum safety and convenience when storing, accessing and managing your data.
At Web Alliance, we provide custom database solutions for companies and organisations of all sizes. Contact us today and we will begin building a database system tailored to your exact requirements.
