As a database developer, clients often ask me why database management is important to their business. Whether you’re growing and scaling a business or keeping up-to-date with current business demands, database development is vital. There are a number of reasons for this – notably security and the way data is used to support businesses.
The first of these, security, is a core issue for anyone handling data of any kind and especially if you’re handling customer data. Perhaps the most obvious issue that good database management tackles is GDPR, or General Data Protection Regulation to give it the full title. GDPR is the regulation that oversees the way data is handled and protected within the UK and the EU. It is critical that data is managed and processed in line with GDPR regulations – with large fines a possible outcome for organisations that mishandle data. Data management and good database development takes a lot of the stress out of ensuring GDPR regulations are followed. Database design that is secure and promotes data security allows development teams and business managers to have both accessible data and support the “need to know” ethos of GDPR. When clients use my bespoke database management services everything I do is built around the idea of promoting secure, GDPR compliant data management.
Knowing your data is secure is one thing, but customers also need to know their data is easy to remove. Anyone who has ever fought with a customer service line to be taken off a mailing list will know the frustration of poor data management. This is where high quality custom database management systems come into play. This means being not only able to quickly and effectively retrieve and remove data but also be confident that all the necessary data is removed – that there are no ghosts in the machine. The ability to confidently remove data when needed is beneficial for two reasons, one it promotes confidence amongst customers and two it makes sure that you follow GDPR’s right to be forgotten.
In making sure that your business is working in line with data security and GDPR regulations, you also support its day to day running. Good database management stops ghost data, multiple copies of data (taking up valuable space on systems) and makes analysing data an easy task. When I work with databases I look at the need for my clients’ team members to share data quickly between colleagues. With this in mind I make sure that data retrieval is not only quick and efficient but simple to back up and recover. Smooth and easy to use database management enables businesses to make up-to-the-minute decisions, make detailed business plans and forecast future growth.
For businesses looking for accessible data that meets GDPR legislation, good database management, designed with your business in mind, is not just a nice thing to have, it is absolutely crucial.
If you are looking to start your business’ journey in database management or growing and developing your business and existing databases, I offer cost effective, competitive rates for bespoke, custom services to suit your business requirements.