Today, with reasonably priced computers and software available, a simple yet effective data management system can be developed to fit the needs of most monitoring programs. However, many headaches await those who charge blindly into the task. This article will provide some basic information on data management tools and techniques and will also address some of the problems encountered when setting up a monitoring database for the first time. Simply put, a good data management system provides for efficient storage of information, wherein any piece of that information is accurately retained and readily accessible. Not at all.
Many adequate databases reside between the covers of loose-leaf binders.
However, a computerized data management system does offer many advantages, especially if you will be collecting data from many sites or over a long period of time. Once you've decided to use a computer for managing data, the next step is deciding between a spreadsheet program or a database. These two types of software are not as different as they once were - newer versions of most spreadsheet programs offer some of the capabilities of databases, and vice versa. Still, each system has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. In addition, RWN needed the relational capability of a database.