Companies use
computerized database management systems to expand productivity, client base and number of
referrals. Businesses have found that appropriate automation
increases competitiveness and now include a computerized database management system in
their comprehensive business plan. But, what is a computerized database management system?
Database management systems are one of the
popular software available for IBM PCs.....
In many ways, the software functions as a computerized filing
cabinet. Users get the information they need by typing on the keyboard or clicking the
mouse. The software also has the ability to do math and print business information.
There are two types available: off-the-shelf
software or customized software.
Off-the-shelf software has already been designed for a specific business
application - accounting, contact management, inventory, etc. This software can be less
costly to set up and can |
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be
effective if your business needs match the functions of the package. These systems being
pre-programmed, take a lot longer to learn, and certain business features may not be
available. The other option is to buy a
generic database management software such as Visual Basic, FoxPro, Access and customize it
for your own specific use.
The advantage of this method is that once the system is set up
there is almost no learning curve and the labor time is significantly less than the
off-the-shelf systems. This system matches your business needs and does exactly what you
want to do.
The customized system gives advanced productivity
and can be used by someone with minimal computer experience...
The following actual case histories illustrates how companies increased their business
competitiveness through customized database management systems.
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First, the business problems: (1)
A high tech company lowers sales by spending too much time finding qualified prospects.
(2) A regional telephone company wastes hours by typing
billing error reports several times. (3) An alcohol rehabilitation center looses clients
and referrals by not tracking patient care, thanking referral sources, and asking for
patient feedback. In each of these cases, management realized that they required a
computerized database management system. The high tech company was able to pre-qualify
prospects through a database marketing system. The regional telephone company increased
productivity by entering billing information once, then by using a database system to
generate numerous reports. The Alcohol Rehabilitation Center increased clients and
referrals through a Quality Assurance Database System that tracks patient care, referral
sources and client satisfaction.
Before your company decides to invest in database
management software, decide on your exact goals...
Then go look for the package that fits your business requirements |