The ABC Car Service & Repair Centers are owned by the SILENT car dealer; ABC services and repairs only SILENT cars. Three ABC Car Service & Repair Centers provide service and repair for the entire state.
Each of the three centers is independently managed and operated by a shop manager, a receptionist, and at least eight mechanics. Each center maintains a fully stocked parts inventory.
Each center also maintains a manual file system in which each car’s maintenance history is kept: repairs made, parts used, costs, service dates, owner, and so on. Files are also kept to track inventory, purchasing, billing, employees’ hours, and payroll.
You have been contacted by the manager of one of the centers to design and implement a computerized system. Given the preceding information, do the following:
a. Indicate the most appropriate sequence of activities by labeling each of the following steps in the correct order. (For example, if you think that “Load the database.” is the appropriate first step, label it “1.”)
____Normalize the conceptual model.
____Obtain a general description of company operations.
____Load the database.
____Create a description of each system process.
____Test the system.
____Draw a data flow diagram and system flowcharts.
____Create a conceptual model, using ER diagrams.
____Create the application programs.
____Interview the mechanics.
____Create the file (table) structures.
____Interview the shop manager.
b. Describe the various modules that you believe the system should include.
c. How will a data dictionary help you develop the system? Give examples.
d. What general (system) recommendations might you make to the shop manager? (For example. if the system will be integrated, what modules will be integrated? What benefits would be derived from such an integrated system? Include several general recommendations.)
e. What is the best approach to conceptual database design? Why?
f. Name and describe at least four reports the system should have. Explain their use. Who will use those reports?