Impacts of Databases on Society

Department stores use central storage on relational databases for keeping product information and customer information. Relational databases have changed the workplace of department stores for both employees and customers. Databases are being used to make work practises, procedures, and decision making processes in department stores effortless and more efficient. Databases are used to turn data entered through computers, such as check out computers, in to useful information. 

Check out staff can come up with the total cost by scanning the barcode of the items instead of entering in the barcode number or related price. The staff and customer are able to view each item and item price on a display screen with the total cost and staff name often displayed. This can be used to confirm that the expectation of the price by the customer is the same as the displayed price. Customers can use the name of the staff to confirm purchase and complain.

Fewer employees are needed in department stores due to the introduction of self serve check outs and price check points. Databases are used to store data within these computers which allow customers to do things that would once incorporate staff assistance.

Databases are used to amass information about item sales and the quantity of items in store. This can be used by the department store to make decisions on sale times and ordering items.

The location of an item can be found by a staff member or customer looking through a database displayed with in the store. This is convenient for customers that are not familiar with the certain store. Customers can use price check points to make decisions on whether or not to purchase an item after viewing the price and if available the current discount on the item.

The information about customers purchasing items belongs to the department store. This information is used to arrange the store so popular items are at the back of the store making customers pass other items. This information lets the department store keep up with the demand of items.

Personal information about the customer such as the credit card number must be kept private and secure by the department store.

Today’s society expects to get information simple and efficiently with minimal input required. Relational Databases are making these expectations possible for customers and staff in today’s society.  People in today’s society are expecting to move faster then ever before. People do not want to stand in a line or wait for staff assistance. This is part of the reason for self serve check outs and price check points being introduced to department stores.