Data and Information are two separate concepts. Data is simply number or text without context such as: 14976. Information is data that has been given context or meaning. Such as DOB: 14/9/76.

When we are first designing a database the client will probably have a collection of data they want to store. Such as in the furniture example we will be making in the next sections.

It is a database for a small furniture company that will store the data about the items it sells and the designers that design them.

The end user requirements are from the people who will be using the system. So initial comments may be:

• I need to be able to find all of the items designed by a particular designer

• I need to be able to see all of the items we have in stock

• I want to be able to see all of the items that are out of stock

• I need to display all categories of furniture in order of price

• I need to be able to find the email address of a designer

• I need to add new designers and furniture items

• I need to change the amount in stock or the price of an item

• I will need to remove items that we will no longer be selling.

These may be refined into:

• Staff should be able to search the database on the following fields:

  • Designer,Number in Stock,Category,Designer Name, Designer Email Address

• Search results should display the following fields:

  • Designer Name, Email Address and Phone Number

  • Item Name, Description, Price, Type, Quantity

These can then be converted into functional requirements such as:

• The database shall be a relational database system with two tables. One holding designer details and one for the items of furniture.

• Designer ID and Item ID will be additional fields used as Primary Keys.