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Not that he can pull rabbits out of a hat, but Database Analyst and Report Writer Steve Arnold can effectively organize a database and formulate the data into useful reports.
As a report writer with 22 years of related experience, Steve enjoys the challenge of "getting the information that executives want to see that drives their business." He also uses the information he extracts from a database to develop processes that help a company operate more efficiently. The reports he generates, he says, "Enables them to better make business decisions and evaluate their current processes. But it's more than just writing a report based upon data extracted from a database. The reports should provide a source of vision for companies to develop the strategies needed to grow the business and succeed."
"Before the reports are designed, I have to analyze the database structure and develop the means to pull the data together into a meaningful presentation," Steve explains. "Requirements are different for each business and even within business functions. They know what they want to see, but are not sure how to get the end result." Steve also uses his creative talents to add graphics such as charts, graphs and photos to his reports to make them more interesting and easier to understand.
According to Steve, many people are overwhelmed with database environments, so they rely mostly on spreadsheets to perform their jobs. However, spreadsheets offer very little security in maintaining data integrity and reliability. "If you're sharing a spreadsheet to collect sensitive or personal information, you want to try to keep as many hands out of it as possible. Typically, if a spreadsheet is shared and contains more than 500 records, the data should be stored in a database system and placed on a network server. This way it is backed up regularly, and is easily recoverable."
Much of the work Steve does internally for Stambaugh Ness involves process improvements and effectively supporting the needs of the business. Steve has found his expertise is requested in most areas of the organization including time-keeping, billing, accounts receivable statements, productivity reports, and marketing reports.
Recently, a Stambaugh Ness client was experiencing long wait times for reports to be generated. "We found they were storing too much data in their active database," he notes. "When the reports were submitted, the query was improperly designed to read every record in the database and was taking extremely long to execute. It would impact other software programs as well. We compressed the database and modified the necessary queries to only request two years' worth of data as opposed to five or six years." The client could not believe the reduction in run time.
Steve has been formally trained to work with the technical aspects of his job, but the position also requires face-to-face interaction with customers to determine what reports or data they need to see. "Not all technical people are customer service oriented," he says, "but I have both qualities. I genuinely try to put myself in the users' shoes and visualize what it is they want to see. I find that my greatest job satisfaction comes from providing quality assistance to clients in order to make their jobs easier. I enjoy being an integral part in helping someone else achieve their goals."
"Part of my sense of achievement is feeling that I've helped someone else become successful," he adds.
| If you have database-related questions or would like a free consultation, you may contact Steve Arnold at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233 or send an email to him by using the form below. |
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