Database Applications

A database management system is a collection of programs that enables one to store, modify and extract information from a database. Since I do not work on a computer at my current organization I will discuss a database application I used at an old job. At this company the servers used a point of sale software product called Aloha.

Aloha helps deliver exceptional customer service, reduces training time and increases sales and builds customer loyalty. Aloha is an easy to use software program that consists of a touch screen interface, which allows the servers to deliver food fast and accurate. If one's table wanted to pay for their check different ways Aloha has integrated electronic payment processing which makes this task easier. Aloha has a tool in it that allows the server to split the check or an item of food into equal parts that will improve customer service. After the server is finished putting the table's order into the computer the order is automatically routed to the kitchen allowing the server continue helping other tables. Aloha also has a feature that helps with voids, order changes or special requests. If a guest wants a special request for how they want their food prepared the server can hit the button called modify. If the modify button does not have what the server is looking for one can bring up a keyboard and type in what the special request is. This will eliminate unnecessary trips to the kitchen. This is just from a server's use of Aloha. Management uses Aloha to manage inventory levels, maintain labor schedules, enhance accounting and payroll process and plan the business according to its needs. Overall Aloha is a good database management system to use but one will come across some problems while using it.

As with any type of computer there is a risk while using Aloha. When a restaurant is at capacity and several servers are trying to access the database at once it tends to be a little slow. A way to improve this might be to get a larger database. Aloha uses a touch screen that allows one to select a table to ring food up for. Sometimes the touch screen does not work for a certain table. This means the server has to bring up another table or create a new table then run to the kitchen and let them know what table the food is going to. This causes the server to run a little behind with his other guests. When creating a table number a server is not allowed to create a table number