Benefits of a Database

July 30 2017

5 Big Benefits of a Database

People and businesses are becoming increasingly tired of Excel spreadsheets as a way of storing and processing important data. The problem is that Excel isn’t a very good way of managing data, because spreadsheets tend to be inaccurate, slow, unwieldy to manage and frankly a security hazard.

In contrast, databases come with many proven benefits for businesses. They don’t just solve the problems that spreadsheets create, they also add functionality and improve on business’ workflow. Here are 5 big benefits of databases:

Accuracy

Databases allow you to avoid making human errors when adding data or using a database, for example, you can set variables when inputting data to minimise the the risk of mistyping. Databases also give you more control over the formatting of data, as it’s easier to present data in a way that is more intuitive and easy to understand.

Security

Databases can be used to improve the security of your business’ data, as there a number of ways to make databases harder to hack into or to compromise.

The simplest protection is to restrict unauthorised access to databases through multi-level access and management controls. You can require anyone working on the database to use a password and confirm themselves as a user. You can also backup the database, conduct audits of the data and stress test it more easily.

Integration

A database can store multiple applications, meaning that all your business’ important data can be stored in one place. This also makes it easier to update information and ensures that everyone knows that the data displayed in the database is the most up-to-date.

Efficiencies

The time, work and money spent updating spreadsheets, correcting errors and maintaining a cumbersome and inefficient data management system is a drag on your business. Because databases are more efficient in all these regards, they are more cost effective. You can also incorporate open-source applications into a database to make it more functional and adjust it to your company’s needs without breaking the bank.

Usability

Spreadsheets require a certain amount of specialist knowledge, in particular if you want to use formulae, create graphs and charts or add safeguards to your spreadsheet to prevent errors or add security. Not everyone can do this proficiently without some training.

In contrast, databases make it easier for users to find relevant information, plus the relational nature of some databases aids finding connections between data sets, and not just the data itself.

Using a database for your business can make data organisation simpler, safer and more reliable, it can also increase client and customer satisfaction (you won’t lose or change their data), and provide efficiency savings.

Wirebox has experience designing and delivering custom databases, as well as updating your existing data systems and managing the transition from spreadsheet to database. Our team has a wealth of experience to draw on, you can find out more about our 4-step process to creating a database that meets your needs here, or just contact us. We would love to help you to escape excel hell.