Page 150 - DMGT505_MANAGEMENT_INFORMATION_SYSTEM

Unit 8: Databases and Data Warehouses

8.2 Traditional vs Database Approach Notes

8.2.1 Files: The Traditional Approach

Traditionally, data files were developed and maintained separately for individual applications.
Thus, the file processing system relied on the piecemeal approach of data across the organization
where every functional unit like marketing, finance, production, etc. used to maintain their own
set of application programs and data files.
No doubt such an organization was simple to operate and had better local control but the data
of the organization is dispersed throughout the functional sub-systems.

This approach was rendered inadequate, especially when organizations started developing
organization-wide integrated application. The major drawbacks of file processing system may
be outlined due to the following reasons.
1. Data duplication
2. Data inconsistency
3. Lack of data integration

4. Data dependence
5. Program dependence

Data Duplication

Since each application has its own data file, the same data may have to be recorded and stored in
several files.

Example: Payroll application and personnel application, both will have data on employee
name, designation, etc. This results in unnecessary duplication/redundancy of common data
items.

Data Inconsistency

Data inconsistency leads to the data inconsistency especially when data is to be updated. Data
inconsistency occurs because the same data items which appear in more than one file do not get
updated simultaneously in all the data files.

Example: Employee’s designation, which is immediately updated in the payroll system
may not necessarily be updated in the provident fund application. This results in two different
designations of an employee at the same time.

Lack of Data Integration

Because of independent data files, users face difficulty in getting information on any ad hoc
query that requires accessing data stored in more than one file. Thus, either complicated programs
have to be developed to retrieve data from each independent data file or users have to manually
collect the required information from various outputs of separate applications.

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