Data Model

Frank Salka & Jenna Faccone  

BUS171: Information Systems and Operations 

Team Assignment 3 (TA3): Data Model Overview  

Dr. Rachel Chung 

February 11, 2018 

Data Model Overview

Markl Supply Company’s data model outlines the essential data which is assembled, stored and utilized to facilitate a web sale through their online retail site. An example of three entities which are necessary to this data model are the Customer, Vendor, and Transaction tables. These tables contain and organize recorded data which interconnect to each other to form a cohesive relational database. The data tables are organized by record headings, records, fields, and bytes of data. Each table contains three columns which are organized by corresponding headings. The customer table includes the following headings “customer_id”, “Customer id”, and “Primary Key” which are further organized into fields for customer name and shipping details. The vendor table includes the following headings “vender_id”, “Vendor Id”, and “Primary Key” which are also organized into fields for vendor name and shipping details. The transaction table includes headings for “transaction_id”, “Numerical Record”, and “Primary Key” but are organized into fields designed for tracking customer and vendor identification numbers along with the date and type of the transaction. These records within the Markl Supply Company data model is designed to operate independently as well as within their integrated system through their key relationships depending on situational needs of the company. Individual data record use may include querying a database of MSC customers who reside within a focused area by searching data within the city or state fields or querying a database of vendor transactions within a specific timeline by searching data within the vendor identification and transaction date fields. The customer, vendor, and transaction tables are utilized as a group of integrated records when inventory moves from a vendor to an end user or online customer by facilitating the flow of data that makes this process possible. The process is initiated when an online order is placed to the vendor using the vendor name, identification, and shipping data. Once received, confirmation information provided from the vendor is stored in Excel and a hardcopy is filed. Packing slip information is also recorded in Excel, handwritten in an inventory bound book, and the original packing slip is filed. Product specifications and descriptions are manually entered to Markl Supply Company inventory through the retail point of sale software system. Product details, images, and price information is then uploaded to online retail space and offered to customers. Purchased products are marked as sold with the online customer’s name, address, and identification details recorded in the point of sale software and Excel spreadsheet. Once finalized, the customer’s transaction number and tracking confirmation is emailed when items are shipped, and the transaction data becomes complete.  

Kroenke, D. M. (2014). MIS Essentials: 4th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.