Access 2007

Exploring databases

(Part 2) (3:26min)

Databases in our lives

Think about all of the information we encounter on a typical day that might be organized by a database. For example, if you go shopping at a department store for a toaster, the store inventory of products is information that has to be stored somewhere, along with the price of each product.

When you make a purchase, the store needs to be able to store the sales information to determine the daily sales total and how to track the decrease in inventory. A database could store this information, and also allow the store to quickly determine how many Brand X toasters are in the inventory without needing to count the inventory on the shelves.

Real World Example

While this information could be managed without a database, it would be easier and more efficient to use one. Databases have an enormous impact in almost every area of our lives.

Inventory in Access Database

Think about it

Think about what is going on around you in everyday situations and whether there might be a database at work.

• Grocery store: The grocery store is stocked with items. Items must be ordered, shipped, and stocked in the store. The store has to pay for the items. Then, when a customer buys the items, the cash register retrieves prices, and the customer pays for products. Where might databases be involved in the situation?
• Restaurant: Where does the food come from? How does management know when to reorder a product? How are bills paid?
• Traffic lights: Who or what controls when the lights turn red or green?

A database maintains order and structure in our lives. Databases are created using programs such as Microsoft Office Access 2007, which is a relational database program.