To access accurate and accessible information, businesses of all sizes use databases that store all kinds of data or information and then use it selectively through proper analysis to gain a competitive advantage in business.
Technology provides various options for gathering data conveniently and storing it safely in databases. As the volume of data multiplies at an astronomical rate, we have entered the era of Big Data, and now companies have much broader access to data.
The ability to make proper use of data that contains a wealth of information creates a huge difference in the business outcome. Companies that are better able to harness the power of data have higher chances of success. To beat the competition and businesses must give their best in managing data efficiently, for which they can hire the services of RemoteDBA.com that handle all jobs related to database administration.
Today, database administration is integral to any business process and one of the essential services on which businesses survive. Databases are like the heart of businesses because the moment it starts malfunctioning, it can turn business on its head. Therefore, to run a business smoothly by gathering all relevant information related to the business, the role of databases is critical.
So is the need to administer database management services to ensure meaningful organization of data that adds value to businesses. Database administration requires trained professionals with special skill sets and knowledge to ensure the safe storage and distribution of data to authorized persons responsible for running the business.
Why do businesses need database administrators?
The primary responsibility of the database administrator is to act as the custodian of the databases used by the organization and perform all activities related to it for maintaining a proper database environment successfully. Organizations use database management systems (DBMS) to handle critical workloads, and the database administrator ensures unhindered access to data for people within the organization.
The database administrator has a thorough understanding of maintaining and managing the overall database environment. The database administrators formulate the rules for data usage within the organization by considering the company’s overall policy and creating a blueprint for deploying databases within the organization.
Database administrators or DBAs ensure that the databases are always up and running and minimize outages and slowdowns that can happen at certain times. They are responsible for ensuring uninterrupted business operations with round-the-clock access to databases that help to maintain the reputation and reliability of the organization and gain consumers’ trust. This is where database management tools, such as the mysql management gui, help database administrators.
DBAs are experts in their own right
DBAs are subject matter experts and masters of database management as they have profound knowledge about all kinds of databases. They are responsible for configuring and implementing the database management systems from database design to SQL coding and anything and everything related to data extraction, ETL or transforming and loading, test data management, data integrity, problem resolution, optimization, database security, and database backup and recovery.
How companies make use of databases
Databases remain embedded within the business processes, but many users may not realize that the tasks they carry out are the result of proper database management that works behind the scenes. Here are some examples of companies using databases to accomplish various tasks.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database – Businesses of all sizes make good use of CRM databases which play a critical role in running the business smoothly and formulating better marketing strategies. It is almost impossible for small businesses to carry out their operations without using CRM. The CRM database is a repository of data or information related to the company’s accounts and contacts and leads and opportunities.
For example, a single customer record may include all information about that customer like name, contact details, order history with dates and amounts, total purchase made in the previous year, a list of products purchased including the favorite ones as well as the ones returned, all calls made to customer services and many other types of information. The database information is useful for developing marketing and promotional strategies and helps to prepare shipping labels and export email addresses.
Payroll and scheduling databases – Every company uses the payroll database that contains all the employee details right from the date of joining till the date of separation. It also includes information about leaves, salaries, wages, bonuses, perks, taxes, contributions to the retirement account, health insurance, accrued vacation time, and payment details. The database simplifies scheduling and minimizes database errors. By linking two or more databases, personnel databases, and CRM, it is possible to link a sales representative to the respective account that they are responsible for.
Inventory tracking database – Inventory tracking databases are useful for managing raw material inventory and finished goods inventory depending on the nature of the business, whether it is a manufacturing unit or retail business. In both cases, the data about inventory in terms of the warehouse stock, stock in a storage room, and stocks available for dispatch or on the shelves are available readily at any point in time. To establish a complete tracking system to monitor product movement with constant updating of the inventory, companies use integrated bar codes and scanners so that the inventory is updated in real-time and does not require frequent physical counting.
Business data Analysis – Databases come with robust reporting features useful resources for analyzing data to extract the right information necessary in any business situation.  By analyzing the data, it is possible to predict future trends based on which business can decide about the way ahead for growth and expansion. The report might reveal that before a three-day weekend, the production slows down on the last working day, which is Friday. Based on the finding, you can plan to release your staff early on that day to be happy and improve employee relationships without affecting productivity.
A sales promotion effectiveness report might help identify certain products’ sales trends immediately after a promotional campaign. It will help to gauge the effectiveness of the campaign and make improvements.
