TABLE OF CONTENTS In this chapter, we have covered the basic structure of a database system and looked at how database management systems have evolved since their inception. The important criteria for choosing a database are:
speed of access;
fitness for purpose;
ease of extracting data.
The basic structure of the three main types of database, hierarchical, network and relational, have also been covered and how the relational model is becoming dominant within industry has also been discussed.
The design of a database is related to the data modelling, ensuring that the database reflects the reality for which it has been designed. Three rules have been defined to convert the concomitant conceptual model into a database physical model in the relational sense. Finally, the database optimization process, known as database normalization, has been discussed.
The relational database is a central part of today's manufacturing information systems. The centralized database has its advantages in reducing the number of interfaces, whereas the distributed database is more optimal in operation.
