Purpose of the analysis before creating a software
To get a precise idea of what users are asking for
- Which kind of data do they need ?
- How are they to be displayed ?
- Which data do we have to start with and what kind of processes do we need to use to obtain the information we need ?
- How are we going to get the data we are going to start with ?
- What about security of the data.
To find out the tools we need for the project
- Type of computer, operating system ?
- Hard disk capacity or other means to store the information ?
- Network
- Which data server to use ?
- Which programming language ?
- Long terms cost, maintenance and possibility to evolve in the future ?
- How to secure access to data ? Encryption ?
Users interfaces
User interfaces are the way users interact with a program. Generally this means interacting with data inside databases trough forms designed to make it as easy and safe (for the database) as possible.
There are different type of screen interactions
Classical : The forms allow direct input (add/modify/delete) to the database using text box like areas.
Interface that interact with automation processesThe forms allow some input, but those inputs may start various automation processes according to events. This can end with a summary being presented to the user directly on the computer screen, a printed document or with an E-Mail
Graphical interface using pictures, drawings... to access data. The user is able to choose a picture or a drawing and define areas to connect to data that he will select. For instance, to show the picture of a road being constructed, define areas where there are construction works and link those, or even parts of those, to data (possibly documents, films,...). Those areas will be saved with the selected links (SQL) to the database. Later, the user will be possible to directly access the information by clicking on those areas of the photo. This will work too with machines, vehicles, buildings, etc...
