A database helps manage information to produce meaningful results. Travel agents are among the most experienced users of databases. All computerized reservations systems rely upon sophisticated databases of flight inventories and reservations. Agents also maintain client databases in traveler profiles. What differentiates these databases from those developed in-house on computers is that the airlines, not the agents, control them.
A characteristic of databases is that the data is linked into one useful system. For example, an agency may store client information on index cards. By shuffling through these cards, it is possible to identify who went on which tour, produce an alphabetized list, or, rearrange the cards in zip code order for a bulk mailing. Similarly, a database provides an automated, or "computerized," method for recording and storing data.
Data in and of itself has no use. It is only when it is processed - selected, sorted, or arranged in some meaningful way - that it has any utility at all. Names, addresses, numbers, and dates are typical of the data you may need to store. Data becomes information only after it is arranged in a manner to answer a question, solve a problem, or take action.
This fundamental concept should guide the development of your database. Unless the data you collect can be used to answer a question, solve a problem, or take an action, it is probably not worth the effort. Automating useless data gets you nowhere-only faster.
Database Development
The development of a database may pose several hurdles: learning how to master new software, and figuring out how to computerize all of the notes, cards, and lists that now comprise your "database."
Taking on all of these hurdles at once may be overwhelming. If you have only limited experience using a computer or no experience in developing a database, you may want to consider employing an outside contractor to assist you. You would design the "specifications" for the database, including the data to be included, the kinds of information the system should produce, and the activities you want to accomplish, such as mailing lists and monthly reports. An outside contractor can then take your requirements and develop a database.
Although it may be more costly in the short run, requiring the contractor to train you or someone on your staff on the software will enable you to maintain the database more effectively and develop new databases as the need arises.
If you are experienced on computers, or are persistent and patient, most software packages offer a step-by-step approach to database design in tutorials that should enable you to develop your database yourself. Whether you use a contractor or develop the database yourself, selecting the right software for your present and future needs is an important decision.
Database Software
There are two main forms of computer software for databases - (1) record-oriented databases, and (2) relational databases.
In a record-oriented system, one record is created for each traveler in the system. In a relational database, a traveler's name would appear on several related lists. The distinguishing factor between the record and relational database is the flexibility and added capabilities characteristic of a relational database. The trade-off is that while relational databases are more powerful, they also require more time to master.
Database Design
While this article focuses on the use of databases for marketing leisure travel, the principles of database organization may be applied to any database. Before beginning the design of a database, define the functions the data will be expected to perform. These should be the actual activities you plan to automate through the database, such as mailing lists and traveler preferences, etc. Time taken to carefully specify the expected uses of the database will be rewarded many times over in the future.
Once the uses for the database have been determined, factor these into the data elements needed to furnish the requisite information. Since the same data is used for many purposes, expect many of the data elements within the categories to overlap. This "paper and pencil" work will require several drafts to come up with the right data.