E.J. Computers Case Essay Example for Free

E.J. Computers Case EssayIntroductionThe company I am liberation to be doing my project on is a sm each(prenominal) firm named E.J Computers. The company have been round for about a year and a half now and have 3 staff. Its run from a small shop, which they have only when recently moved to and they ar slowly expanding. Therefore I am going to introduce an Access database to help make the pedigree of harbouring the accounts work easier.Statement of jobThe problem at the moment is that the company is currently victimization a topic-based way of doing their accounts. This way is until now quite common, but it makes more work for the end- exploiter, as he usually has to go rummaging through flecks of paper and filing cabinets etc. Also a problem with doing it this way is that bits of paper etc could go missing and the data would be lost. Its slower, takes up more room and looks unprofessional.I am going to be creating a database for a calculator enclose that sells var ious issues, from computer parts and accessories to to the full working musical arrangements. The database leave behind consist of numerous t commensurates, including nonp atomic number 18ils for client details, products, delivery etc. I give be making the database a relational database so that the delays leave interact and it depart make it much more easier for the end user to be fit to do or get to what they want.A computer database go away be a rush safer to keep the records on. If they desire the end user could use some form of data protection so that he viewing of the records are non accessible for anybody (by either pass wording it etc). This way is a address faster, less hassle, takes up less space and I think it looks more professional. So I am going to be creating a database, which exit meet all of these extremitys.My initial idea is to create a database consisting of 4 tables, whizz for the customer details, whiz for the components, one for the ready bu ilt computer bodys, and one for the orders.Results from questionnaireI wrote a questionnaire, and took it to my end user so that he could fill it in. I got it back, and now I nominate use the training that he provided to enable me to design my database to suit his needs. Basically he has the appropriate equipment that is infallible for him to be able to use the database and he withal has the knowledge.From the feedback that I got, he basically has left me to my get device on the formatting side, which is good because I can use my imagination a bit and hopefully make a good design.The end user has overly said that he would excessively like a password on the database for data protection. This hold backs that the confidential data of his customers remains confidential.He alike said that he would like his database to consist of 4 tables, one for customer details, two for product details, and one for order details etc.Information about end users computerFortunately, the end use r already has a suitable computer system to enable him to use the database. The current system is an AMD Athlon 1500+ 512mb DDR pc2700 RAM, 40GB HDD, 40x CD re-writer, 3 1/2 Floppy disk, 17 CRT Monitor.He also has sufficient software, which is a bonus. Is current operating system is Windows XP professional and he also has office 2000.Description of the introductory system input signal of the previous systemAt the moment the whole system is paper based. If a customer purchases an item, their details are written d avow on a little white card, this includes their name, address, telephone rate etc and thusly it is inventoryd into a filing case. Eddie then has to write out a receipt by hand and fuck it to the customer.If a customer requires delivery, there is an extra fee for postage and packaging and their data gets put into a separate file where at the end of the day it will be processed.Process of the previous systemAfter the breeding is collected it is left. Hey dont use it f or anything else like advertising or sending exceptional offers. It is however stored in a cupboard and every time a customer phones up or comes into the store and purchases a product it is taken back out and another card is modify in.Output of the previous systemAgain, the information is not use for output at all, the do not send special offers or print receipts. The receipts are all manually drawn up and written out. in all products are paid for up front no credit is given so there are no fines and no need to use the data for output.Method used for the previous system info Flow Diagram of the previous system enigmas with previous SystemMain problems with the previous systemProblemSolutionTime consumingDatabase will be easy and quick to access and use.Storage each data will be stored on the computer and will be easy accessible and found. littered work areaDatabase will be on a computer, which will be neatly stored on the desk.Untidy workAll work will be word-processed, wheref ore the data will all be neat and easy to read.Unsafe DataThe database will be pass worded so that no unauthorised access will be possibleRequirements of the new systemObjectives of the new system apply access 2000 I will be creating a database for the company, this will make the system a lot better for my end user. To enable me to get an idea if what my end user actually wants he has filled in a questionnaire for me. This should help me understand fully what the end-user wants. My database will consist of four tables, each table representing different parts of the company.The first table will be a table for the customers details, it will store the details of every customer that comes into the shop and purchases an item. It will store their name, address, telephone number and each one will have their own unique customer ID number. This information can then be used for any marketing schemes that my end-user comes up with and the data will be handy at all times.My second gear table w ill contain information about the components that are available for the customers to purchase. It will consist of a list of the products that the shop has on sale and the causa of that product. It will have the price, the amount that the business has in stock and a short description.The third table will consist of a list of pre-built fully working systems that are on sale it will have a field for system ID, the price, number in stock, and a specification of each computer system.I will then have a fourth table consisting of information of the orders that have been placed, it will have the customers ID, the ID of the product that they have ordered, how much it will cost, and whether or not it need to be delivered.How the objectives will be fulfilledDescription of the new systemInput of the new systemAs I said above I will be putting the customer and product information details into the database employ a mouse and a keyboard. I will be using a mouse to select to appropriate options and applications. I will also be using a VDU so I can actually see the information that I will be putting into the system.Process of the new systemThe process of the system is going to be pretty simple, I spoke with my end-use and we decided that I will make queries and sorts for the tables so that the information is easier to find and get hold of. We decided that it would be a good idea if I also include a mail merged letter so that things do not have to be written time after time.Output of the new systemMy end user has out the stop across, that the output of the system is not rightfully as vital as the input. The main purpose of creating this database is so that the details are stored safely on the computer. However a printer will probably be needed for the purpose of printing out records, and letter etc. This is not a permanent thing and maybe things will change later but for now this would be the only output.Performance criteria and limitations of the proposed systemQualitativ eMy database solution will enable the end user to be able to sort the customers surnames into alphabetic so that it makes it easier for the end user to be able to find a customers records.My end user will also be able to sort the prices of everything that he sells into price order (for example cheapest to most expensive). This will make it easier for the end user, so that if he gets a customer asking about certain products that are on sale he can easily do a quick sort and be able to tell the customer.QuantitativeWith the solution I have make my end-user will be able to find the following* Begin using the database within 30 seconds of opening it.* Find a customer using name or ID within 15 seconds.* Find a certain product with information within 20 seconds.* Find out if there re any deliveries that need to be made within 20 seconds.System flow chartSoftware and Hardware considerationsHardwareThe unattackableware that I will be using to create my database is as followsComputer syste m1.0Gghz Celeron Processor256mb SD RAM20gb HDD familiar AGP SiS 8.0mb GFX card15 Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor Sufficient size display so I can easily see what I am doing.Keyboard Standard RM keyboard enabling me to get the job done.Mouse 3 button Key Mouse to make selecting options easier.Laser Printer Printout copies of the work I am doing to take to my end-user to make sure as shooting it suits his needs accordingly.Some of my project will have to be completed at home in my own time on my own computer my own computer consists ofAMD Athlon XP 1700+768mb DDR PC2700 RAM40gb HDDNVIDIA Geforce4Ti 4800 SECreative Sound Blaster 5.1Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 Optical (USB)Logitech Internet Navigator(tm) Keyboard particular(a) Edition BlackSoftwareThe software that I will be using to create my database is as followsMicrosoft Windows 98 SE Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows NT NetworkMicrosoft Office 2000WordAccess Mainly using access because it enables me to perform comple x searches, have a splash screen and create an advanced database system. stick outFrontPage picketThe software that I have on my computer at home, which will allow me to be able to design the database, isMicrosoft windows XP professional corporate editionMicrosoft Office XPWordAccessExcelFrontPageOutlookData security of the new systemUse of passwordsI am going to be using a password for my database, as my end user has requested it. My end user will need a password, to ensure customer confidentiality. The password will be a word requested by the end user and only he and his staff will have access to the password and therefore the database.I have suggested that my end user should change his password on a regular basis, to ensure that if the password is found out it will get changed again. This makes the whole system more secure.Also, to make sure that the system does not get infected by viruses I have also suggested that the end user invest in some form of anti virus software. The software I have suggested is Norton anti Virus 2003 but it is down to the end users discretion whether or not he goes ahead with it.Differences and similarities between the current system and the proposed ICT solutionSimilaritiesThere are not many similarities between the two systems, as the general idea was to change the system to make it a lot better. However there is one similarity between the two systems, the same information is entered into the database as is entered onto cards. This is only a small similarity, as the whole process is completely different now.Specification DesignPossible solutionsThere were a a few(prenominal) other possible solutions to my end-users problem I came up with a number of alternatives but the database solution just seemed to stand out as being the best. The other solutions that I came up with which were taken into consideration by my end-user were as follows* Swap the cards for sheets of paper, which could be stored in folder or filing cabinet. We decided that this would not be such a could idea, because its not really much of an improvement and my end-user needs a queen-size improvement.* A spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel. We also decided against because is not a very efficient programme for the type of thing my end-user wants. You cannot perform clear searches or have different tables etc.* A table using Microsoft word. Again, we decided not to use word plainly because this programme is too simple and basic. It does not really include many advanced features like searches and the information cannot be stored neatly, which makes the information difficult to access.Reasons and justifications for final selection of software and hardwareWe eventually decided to go with the database using Microsoft Access, because overall we thought it was the best adult male of software to use.A few of the reasons why we chose Microsoft Access are* You can perform searches and queries* Data is easily accessed* Modern* You can create tabl es which are linked together* Create mail merged letters* PasswordIn my hardware section I have already specified what I will be using for hardware. This specification of hardware is suitable for me to create the database because it offers enough speed and memory (both practical(prenominal) and physical) to enable to be able to work efficiently. This is because the bigger the processor the bigger amount of RAM, all makes the computer a lot faster.Outputs necessary by the end userThe outputs that are required by my end-user are* Invoices So that the customer has a proof of purchases.* Splash Screen This is to improve the presentation of the database and to put information about the creator on.* Reports To enable the end user to print out hard copies of queries etc* Mail-merged letters So that the end user can automatically contact customers.Inputs and stored data needed to create the outputsOutputWhat is required?InvoicesCustomer information, product information and details of purchase (date etc)Splash ScreenMy 1337 skillzReportsResults from queries from all 4 of my tables will be shown to make the reports, which will then be printed off so that the user has a hard copyMail merged LettersCustomers details, which can be automatically accessed.Processes that are required to assume the required outputsKnowledge and ability to use advanced package featuresRelationshipsThe database that I will be creating will be a many-to-many. I will be in the form of first form normalisation. I will have four different tables, each having its own primary key that will be referentially integrated to a linking table, to make sure all the tables stay up to date.