Published on

January 14, 2009

SQL Server: Harvesting Low Hanging Fruit

As SQL Server professionals, we often focus on the technical aspects of our role, such as database backup/recovery, monitoring, and tuning. While these skills are undoubtedly important, it’s equally crucial for us to shift our focus towards the business needs and identify opportunities for small-scale quick implementations that can bring significant benefits at a fraction of the cost.

Imagine being able to integrate information from different areas of the business, leveraging the power of SQL Server to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Let’s explore a few real-world examples:

Employee Information

Human Resources (HR) maintains personal details in a database. However, do changes to those details trigger updates to network logins or other application accounts? For instance, a simple last name change after a wedding can consume a significant amount of a network analyst’s time if they have to update the accounts manually. By automating this process, we can save time and improve productivity.

Emailed Reports

Many reports are regularly emailed to recipients who manually update a system based on the information in the report. Could we integrate the data directly into the system, eliminating the need for both the report and manual updating? By doing so, we can reduce the risk of errors and improve data accuracy.

Corporate Communication

Efficient communication is vital for any organization. Ensuring that accurate contact information is readily available can significantly enhance productivity. By creating an online phone directory that pulls data directly from the phone exchange or a centralized data source, we can ensure that everyone has access to the correct phone numbers. This simple change can have a profound impact on efficiency.

As SQL Server professionals, we have a unique perspective on the organization’s data and systems. By actively seeking out inefficiencies and suggesting potential solutions, we can contribute to the continuous improvement of the business. Even if our suggestions are not immediately implemented, they may lead to future optimizations and the harvesting of more low hanging fruit.

So, let’s embrace the concept of “Corporate Scrumping” and start looking beyond the database. By aligning our focus with the business needs, we can identify opportunities to leverage SQL Server and make a significant impact on the organization’s efficiency and success.

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