The technology available today is redefining how we use databases. No longer limited to rows and columns of information, databases are flexible and all encompassing, playing a role in every facet of your business.
One database program can perform project management, customer invoicing, telephone traffic reports and stock inventory.
Today, the precision, repeatability and material range have increased to the point that some 3D printing processes are considered viable as an industrial production technology, whereby the term additive manufacturing can be used synonymously with 3D printing.
If your database simply maintains your customers' contact information, take a look at what more it could be doing for you.
Maintain customer records, from contact details to company statistics, order history to incident reports.
Analyze sales figures or customer data for more effective marketing plans.
Manage service orders that require input from multiple departments.
Notify staff if an order or service request is not completed on time, allowing you to address the problem and notify the customer of a delay; it can send out messages to staff or customers, whenever a certain set of parameters are met.
Display inbound caller identification while simultaneously bringing up the customer file on your computer screen (when integrated with your phone system).
Provide data access to remote offices and traveling salespeople through an Internet connection.
Prevent duplication of effort and confusion; centralized storage of one official data file will discourage workers from developing incompatible similar databases on department LANs or individual PCs.
Provide resellers with limited access.
Interact with existing accounting software or use its own.
Generate ads and brochures in formats suitable for e-mailing to potential customers.
Conduct project management and calendar functions.
Control asset inventory, such as software or office equipment.
Host the content for your Web site.
