Database Project

My latest task I completed in my ISM3004 class is my first ever attempt at creating a database. Like the previous Excel project I completed, I again was working for a local gym. The name I created for this gym was "Kristi's 24 Hour Fitness." My task for the project was to create a database storing information about the gym's members. More specifically, I had to take existing member data from a spreadsheet and transform it for greater data management and reporting power of a DBMS. I was able to transform this information from the spreadsheet into a database as the spreadsheet was exported to a CSV file.

(http://www.tech-faq.com/what-is-a-database.html)

My next step was creating the database. Because I own a Mac, I could not use Access which is the common database program used for Windows, so instead downloaded a trial of FileMaker Pro database software.

(http://www.thewwwblog.com/filemaker-pro-application-for-mac.html)

On FileMaker Pro, I began by importing the data in a FileMaker table and changed the data to a Field Type of Date. I then, created my own custom layout to make my database more user friendly. From creating my database, I learned how helpful they are for businesses are you select your own criteria for your records and organize everything. I never noticed how much of a difference it makes from an Excel spreadsheet through organizing large quantities of data and having everything easy to find all in one location. I was able to create a form which allowed me to display the data in a more user-friendly format. I also, through FileMaker "Find", was able to select a specific criteria (in my case Individual Membership types) from the whole database - therefore allowing me easier management of my DBMS.  Over all, through creating my database on FileMaker, I became absolutely amazed on how you can automate tasks through one quick command. 

With this being said, while in the project I had to make a "Departed Member Report" to allow the fitness center (Kristi's 24 Hour Fitness) owner follow-up with people who have recently left the gym to see why they left the gym and try to entice them to return. Personally, I think looking at registration dates to see if there is a trend on when most people join the gym could potentially help with knowing the best time to advertise and run promotions to entice even more gym registrations. I think focusing on people leaving is a weak tactic and instead, I would dedicate on trying to gathering more memberships rather than applying a focus on earning them back.

All in all, thanks to the database project, I was introduced to a whole new method of organizing and maintaining large volumes of data and enabling myself to organize it much easier than I could have with a spread sheet and seeing how helpful it can be for a business.