1. During my career working with databases, within different sectors of work. I have
found that by understanding the needs and vision of an organisation, directly affects
the updating of the CRM and business software and database as a whole. Meaning
that by carefully selecting updates and the needs of the users and the impact. Makes
for a far better working environment and better workflow. Proactively understanding
this vision and carefully implementing updates in a considerate and informative way.
Making sure that any system is secure, that the correct ISM procedures are in place
and adhered to across an organisation is essential. Also of course that correct
testing and consideration is given to any new applications and bolt ons, that any
software suppliers notes, exceptions and procedures are closely looked at and
applied, also Emergency and critical data is protected from any testing, that back
up procedures are followed and in place. That every department and user is fully
aware and compliant with the data protection act and as mentioned previously that
ISM (Information security Management) is followed, without exception.
Making sure that business needs are met is essential to any business. By running a
procedural and project analysis of the business needs, addresses this. When you
have the co operation of each area of the business this can be completed with
relative ease. This of course as we know isn’t always the case. Diplomacy and good
communication and an understanding of the interpretation of the needs of each area
is essential. By doing this identification of short and long term goals, solutions can be
agreed. Working together with people creates confidence, updates and progress
reports goes a long way to help with this.
When implementing any software changes, I have always carried out training within
a as live system, so super users can agree a process, once this is agreed the
manager then agrees and signs off together with myself and the users, the super
user then becomes the first point of contact, for any minor training needs for this
change in the software process. The whole process of Business support or Systems
coordinator what ever you would like to call it, is Communication, understanding and
explaining the processes and why and hows of the software packages being used,
this not only applies to the users and customers but also to the software houses and
suppliers. Process control documentation and user notes is essential, to make sure
everyone is using the software in the same way. Procedural notes therefore I have
always kept in a central all access area.
I have taken courses in SSRS, SSAS and SSIS, used SQL server 2005 and
currently SQL server 2008 making any necessary amendments / changes updates to
tables and fields, running reports directly from the database as required, if required
after making sure impact of changes or updates don’t have a detrimental effect on
other tables or fields with the software developers. When looking at major issues that
may arise, if the software developers are contactable, then in my experience instead
of working on an issue for a long period of time its in the business best interest to
have the issue resolved immediately, there may be a software release patch, it may
be a known problem that already has a fix. I have always prided myself on being
very approachable and have an open door policy.