Analyze the Data for Compatibility Issues
BMW Bikeworks is the manufacturer of parts for BMW motorcycles. BMW Bikeworks recently purchased a small competitor. You are the project manager responsible for integrating the systems of these two companies. In this exercise, you will explore some of the data compatibility issues of merging the sales order data.
Upon completing this lab, you will be able to do the following:
1. Analyze the implications of data interfaces between new and existing systems.
2. Discuss procedures for handling data compatibility issues.
3. Consider the issues involved in porting data from old systems to new systems and the importance of timing.
Lab Steps
STEP 1: Download the Databases From Doc Sharing
1. Download the order1.accdb and order2.accdb files from Doc Sharing.
2. Open the orderRecords tables in each database, and familiarize yourself with the data.
STEP 2: Import the orderRecords Data into Excel
1. Using MS Excel, import the orderRecords data from the order1.accdb database. Import all of the rows and columns from this table. Rename the sheet to “orders1”.
2. Using MS Excel, import the orderRecords data from the order2.accdb database. Import all of the rows and columns from this table. Rename the sheet to “orders2”.
3. Save the file as “lab5.xlsx”.
STEP 3: Analyze the Data for Compatibility Issues
There are several data compatibility issues that may arise when BMW Bikeworks is merging the data from these two sources. Assume that ORDER1 is the BMW Bikeworks database and the ORDER2 data needs to be properly merged with ORDER1.
1. In MS Word, prepare a document that lists all of the data issues that you foresee concerning this project. Some of the issues are obvious; others take more analysis. List any and all of the issues you can determine.
2. Based on the list that you created above, address each of the issues and give your suggestions for resolving them.
3. Save the file as “lab5.docx”.
STEP 4: Merge the Data in Excel and Import Back Into Access
Manually apply the changes that you suggested in Step C, creating a new sheet in your Excel workbook (lab5.xlsx).
Import the merged data you have created into the order1.accdb database as a new table called orderInfo.
STEP 5: Submit Files to the Dropbox
Submit the following files to this week’s Dropbox.
Lab5.xlsx
Lab5.docx
Order1.accdb (with new orderInfo table)
