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starson45
Starting Member
5 Posts |
 Posted - 2012-06-14 : 05:06:57
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| Hi. I'm working on my first big database project single-handed.I've re-designed an old database, produced the ER diagram. I've spent a lot of time and thought normalising that data, and creating a SSIS project to import all the data from the existing database tables into new tables.There is a LOT of change between the two designs. So my import project is tailored for this.Because of pressure from the higher powers at work, I was advised to get an outside agency to work on producing the front-end for the database. They have been contracted and have insisted on several changes being made to the er diagram. Their changes mean denormalising the data (I've spent months normalising it!)Their argument is that if it's denormalised then it's easier to build the front-end, run scripts, produce queries (less tables to join), and easier to maintain (?!!)As far as I can see it means less flexibility.I've designed it in a way that allows for the system to grow in the future!I've been going along with the changes because my managers are wanting to see something working very soon. But, the external agency have been dragging their feet and are way behind on the development.I'm losing confidence and focus because I'm in conflict over changing the design and wanting to get the database finished!I personally don't want to change the design - even if it does take longer to complete.I feel like we are relying on the external agency (who let's face it want to be employed longer - so it works to their advantage if we become reliant on them). I don't know what to do on this. The front-end is being developed in Visual Studio Visual Basic (ADO.NET). I haven't used it before so I'm a learner basically.I don't have the ability to complete such a big system in a short amount of time. Advice please! I don't know what the next step is! |
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webfred
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
8781 Posts |
Posted - 2012-06-14 : 05:24:42
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I don't have the ability to complete such a big system in a short amount of time.If you can't fight them join them 
No, you're never too old to Yak'n'Roll if you're too young to die. |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2012-06-14 : 08:02:42
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| Create views that provide the structure they're looking for. Tell them to use the views instead of updating the tables directly. This is a better approach anyway. Worst that can happen is they don't accept it, meaning you're in the same boat you are now.If it does work, you're a wizard for accommodating this "change" so quickly. |
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nigelrivett
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3385 Posts |
Posted - 2012-06-14 : 08:46:17
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| Help them by showing how to build the front end and queries (these shoould be in stored procedures under your control anyway).If you can't do that then maybe the design isn't suitable - it needs to accomodate the people developing so either they learn to use it or it has to be changed.It's why older designers learn not to compromise - it always causes problems down the line.You can always build a layer to their design and import from that into yours - could even to it via triggers but that might cause locking issues. Maybe they could populate an access database or excel spreadsheet with the denormalised data and yoou could import that.I had one where a lookup table and the implementer tried to add the key from the table referencing it because they didn't see how to populate it otherwise. When asked about referencing it from another row they said they would need two extra columns - can you see what the next question was?==========================================Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.SSIS can be used in a similar way.Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy. |
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External Agency is Changing My Database Design!