Why do I Need a Custom Database?

It is common practice for tools such as Microsoft Excel, to be used to manage customer databases, for keeping track of creditors and debtors, and for organizing the flow of business data.  Business owners assume their employees are using the right tools for the job, but in actual fact, all companies can significantly benefit from using a custom database.

A custom database provides users with many benefits that a traditional off the shelf spreadsheet program cannot. An off the shelf program can seem inexpensive and simple in the beginning, but has the potential to create major headaches later by not meeting the specific needs of your company. A custom database can be created to meet your company’s exact needs; whereas an off the shelf application can only meet general needs.

Organized the way you want it

Think of a custom database as a container holding all your important business information right at your finger tips. Your custom database will be user friendly with an interactive front end, providing a consistent way to share information with your entire company. All information will be located securely on an Internet server to allow for easy access by all who need it. Additionally, your custom database is flexible and scalable and will be able to grow with ease as your company grows.

Cost Savings

A customized database can save time and money, which is essential to any business. Imputing information into a spreadsheet or word processing application can be tedious and redundant. A system customized to perfectly match your business can save a significant amount of time and a significant amount of money. A custom system can allow users to enter information only once, knowing that appropriate areas will also be updated. Users can feel confident that they do not have to continually re-enter information. Starting out the right way, with the correct tools in place, is much less expensive and time consuming in the long run.

Training

The cost of training employees on “simple” out of the box database programs can be very expensive, particularly if you have to train yourself prior to training others.  Out of the box products tend to have unwanted options and tools, cluttering the system in a way that could potentially lead to significant errors and frustration – both causing a negative impact on productivity. Setting up a customized database can ensure that every employee has the specific tool they need to successfully to do their job without all the complicated and unwanted extras.

A Competitive Edge

Any size of business, large or small, has the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage using a customized database. Having real time information available to employees provides them with the tools to do their job more efficiently. Typically a customized database stores all information on a central server, which can be accessed from any network computer or mobile device. This ensures all employees have the latest information right away, even if they are across the country or working out of their home office. Additionally, a customized database has the ability to generate reports to exact specifications of the user and information can be located with a single click. In short, using a customized database ensures that you get software that does exactly what you want it to do.

Mobile Integration

Customized databases typically use Internet servers; therefore any mobile device with Internet capability can access the database anywhere in the world. There is virtually no limit where, when or how employees access information. This helps reduce the amount of information that gets lost or misplaced. Mobile integration increases customer satisfaction because information is readily available.

In recent market research, it was found that many people purchased a customized database for the time saving benefits, the custom features and the money saved over the long run. By using iTeam, you will be able to experience these benefits first hand in your own company. Feel free to contact one of our Business or Systems Analysts for a free no obligation consultation.  

For more information about our company, visit the iTeam Website