I see many small businesses in trouble, attempting their daily activities with multiple tables, databases, Word templates, and even manage systems-based cards. Often, the company has exceeded the capabilities of these tools, or more specifically, the use of these instruments is not optimal or connected. The company has grown, but the systems do not add up to an administrative nightmare.
The owner of a small or medium size is usually very expert in his field and can not see that it can often be very simple solutions, the hours from the time of administration of the essential tasks of daily shaving.
Take a closer look at the process of managing an English language school, we found that the school was run separately on multiple tables and databases. There was a database for students, a database of agents, a database for host families and a spreadsheet available for extracurricular activities and their costs. The entrepreneurs were pinned on a piece of paper on the wall. To compile monthly per student, and reported the end of the study, the individual teacher several Excel templates based on the level of the students. Necessary information is given, but a registration form, create a report about the host family to send the agent, reports of students who report any of the obligations imposed by the central government had very painful, frustrating and time consuming.
So, how these processes can be simplified? The main problem was the lack of connectivity. Enter the relational database. A relational database is to identify the different “objects” and to connect with each other, or in other words, a collection of tables that are specific to each other by the related. This structure provides a single point of data entry, with updates only once to the efficiency and integrity of data. With this structure, it is possible to collect data for reporting purposes without reorganizing tables. There is also a simple process to add new data elements into a table or add new tables.
A scenario with English Language School, are the “Tables” students, host families, staff, student achievement and student activities. With a relational database, the process of the initial approval in the final report and reports to simplify the student government. First, the student is enrolled as a transfer student. The student can then with a host family and an agent will be assigned by the host family and the agent from drop-down lists that appear on the screen of the student. Likewise, the results and activities with the students during the registration period will be assigned. Registration forms, home-stay, academic reports, statements and many other reports can be easily created with the data capabilities of the flexible relational database.
Efficient data storage behind the front-end user interface. With a menu-based application, the user must have required the knowledge of databases. Input masks provide the functionality to add and edit students, host families, agents, school performance and activities. Links and buttons on screen navigation and user access to functions such as the generation of form, the report on foster care and monthly and end of the study appear deliver results.
If it is the management of your English language school has become more difficult as you think it should be, you could benefit from research in a relational database system.
This article was submitted by Deborah Anderson, Director of TechSalad.
TechSalad specializes in database solutions for small businesses.
Applications include relational databases, English Language School Administration Software and member of the club billing management software.
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