DataDictionary

Data Dictionary

We will have to create a data dictionary once our ERDs are done. From Samuel's worknotes:

Once you complete the ERD, you need to develop a data dictionary to complement your ERD. This data dictionary should be similar to the Table 4.3 on page 226 in your text.

We are using Excel for this, see SoftwareTools.

To view, just go to [DataDictionary.xls]?. Those with editing access can upload a new copy to here.

john_knight (Sep 7, 2001 6:42 pm; Comment #1)

Are you both happy with Office 2000 version for Excel?

mj (Sep 7, 2001 8:10 pm; Comment #2)

Excel 2000 is fine with me.

john_knight (Sep 9, 2001 3:28 am; Comment #3)

A first stab at the Data Dictionary has been attached to an Embanet message.

I hope to be able to spend more time this afternoon updating it and filling in the missing bits.

Once you complete the ERD, you need to develop a data dictionary to complement your ERD. This data dictionary should be similar to the Table 4.3 on page 226 in your text.

The attributes I have set up follow Sam's recommendation, but have added two additional fields for on deletion and on update (since i missed these out on my last assignment!). I decided to break the large single table format into a navigable excel document for clarity of view. I took Sam's "similar" to mean content rather than layout.

mj (Sep 10, 2001 9:28 pm; Comment #4)

My comments:

CAR

• is the CAR_REG format British? :)

CUSTOMER

• I'd split name up in CUST_LNAME and CUST_FNAME
• Make CUST_INIT format X, it's the middle initial (cutomary format in the US, consistent with the rest of the attributes).

PART and INVENTORY

• These are somewhat confusing still; right now both tables reference VENDOR.

PAYMENT METHOD

I'll add that to my EntityAttributes page.

john_knight (Sep 12, 2001 6:44 am; Comment #5)

The reason I did not split customer name into first and last name was that it would seem more likely that the customers in such a high volume business would not need to be known by first name.

I know a lot of people get annoyed by mailings that start Dear John when the initiator of the letter clearly does not know me. Equally bad are the Dear Mr John Knight, Dear Mr John J A Knight, Dear Mr John and Dear John - all of which I have received. So one asks what is the purpose of the First Name in this database?

john_knight (Sep 12, 2001 6:48 am; Comment #6)

The comment on first name now affects the initials. How are letters addressed to people in the States? Of course if one stored the First Name and the middle initial then one could always strip the first character off the first name to give first initial should one wish to address the letter to Mr J A Knight. It is not customary in UK to address envelopes with Mr John A Knight.

john_knight (Sep 12, 2001 6:52 am; Comment #7)

Sorry, another thought. Some people are pedantic about the use of suffixes, eg FRICS or MSc? after the name. I know that Jnr is quite a common suffix used in States but not used at all here. Perhaps there should be another field to cater for these occasions to keepp the customer happy.

mj (Sep 12, 2001 3:47 pm; Comment #8)

Let's not go overboard here on the details; I think we are doing a fine job of our assignment so far. :)