Database Applications

Database Applications: Supporting Operations Across Sectors

Databases are integral to nearly every sector—whether in government institutions or private enterprises. To enhance efficiency and support the daily operations of an organization’s information systems, databases are utilized. In fact, databases are one of the fundamental pillars of any information system. No information system can be built or function effectively without a properly structured database.

Here are some notable examples of how databases are applied:

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1. Enhancing Accuracy, Efficiency, and Operational Speed

Databases are widely used in systems that require fast and precise data handling, such as:

• Human Resources: Useful for organizations that manage large numbers of employees.

• Inventory and Warehousing: Common in manufacturing, wholesale, and pharmaceutical industries.

• Accounting: For financial data management in a variety of business sectors.

• Reservations: Found in systems for hotels, airlines, railways, and more.

• Customer Service: Critical for businesses with large customer bases, such as banks and consultancy firms.

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2. Serving as Core Components in Information Systems

Databases also act as the backbone of structured information systems within institutions or companies. For example:

a. Academic Information Systems

In an academic environment, various operations rely heavily on a database, including:

• Scheduling of classes and instructors

• Recording student and faculty attendance

• Planning exam sessions

• Tracking student grades

Academic administrators can easily retrieve class schedules by querying the database. If a lecturer requests their teaching schedule, the administrator can access it via the academic system’s schedule transaction module.

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b. Savings Information Systems

This type of system involves numerous financial processes, such as:

• Registering new customers

• Opening savings accounts

• Handling deposits and withdrawals

• Calculating interest

• Printing passbooks

• Managing fund transfers

• Closing accounts

When a customer opens an account, their details are recorded and stored in the database. Initial deposits, transfers via tellers, ATMs, mobile apps, and internet banking all generate data entries that are saved directly into the database. Customers can then check their current balance using any of those channels.

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c. Insurance Information Systems

Databases in insurance systems are used to:

• Manage customer and policyholder data

• Process premium payments

• Handle insurance claims and approvals

• Monitor client coverage history

Each of these transactions is tracked and stored in a centralized database to ensure data consistency and service accuracy.

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d. Hospital Information Systems

In healthcare institutions, databases facilitate:

• Patient registration and records

• Tracking medical history and treatment

• Managing billing and payment processes

• Coordinating staff and room assignments

A hospital information system allows doctors, nurses, and administrative staff to access accurate patient information in real-time, improving the overall quality of care.

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Final Thoughts

From handling academic records to supporting financial transactions and patient care, databases are indispensable tools in modern information systems. They not only ensure data accuracy but also streamline operations and improve decision-making processes.

Reference:
Ruliah, Suryadi Andri. Basis Data, 2024