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<br />This philosophy has been implemented in the software system through the use of the following <br />automation capabilities and techniques: <br /> <br />· Relational database structure <br />· Automatic file updating <br />· Geo-file based processing of locations <br />· Stringent multi-level security <br />· Table driven software, inquiries, and reports <br />· User definable menus which allow for more detailed security implementation <br />· Message handling between system and devices <br />· Off-load of data communications from the AS/400 to a communications controller <br />in order to optimize the performance of the entire computer network <br /> <br />In the following sections, these features are discussed in detail. <br /> <br />Relational Data Base Structure-A relational data base is an approach to the organization and <br />storage of information in a computer which yields a structure providing a centralized, integrated <br />storage of all data input into the system. The data base's advantage is that data may be input by <br />a variety of sources, but since all of the data are stored in a centralized structure, all of it is <br />immediately accessible to authorized users in an on-line environment. Because, relational data <br />bases do not require sequential reading or sorting prior to the information being used, access is <br />faster and more accurate than in non-data base systems - even in extremely large systems. Many <br />ways of viewing the data are defined in the system and additional ones may easily be created <br />during the system implementation phase of the project. <br /> <br />The IBM AS/400, like its predecessor, the IBM System/38, maintains the relational data base at <br />the micro code level of the machine's operating system. Unlike many systems where the features <br />of a data base must be programmed at the application level, the IBM data base management <br />system approach provides a rapid and accurate method of retrieving all data concerning an item <br />for preparing statistical reports or displays of related information without impacting the <br />performance and efficiency of the system. <br /> <br />The access to the data base is provided not only through pre-programmed inquiries and search <br />capabilities, but also through various ad hoc report generation capabilities. The pre-programmed <br />searches provide the efficiency required for inquiries used on a continual basis. The latter <br />function allows the user to prepare reports and searches required for unusual or infrequent <br />requests. <br /> <br />The data base concept ensures that future enhancements to the system will be less expensive <br />since they will not require elaborate re-programming or manual operations to reformat existing <br />data within the system's files. Items can readily be added to the data base with minimal effort <br />in comparison to what is required in a non-data base environment. <br /> <br />Automatic File Updating - The system is designed to minimize operator input. ~e system's <br />data base management system automatically updates files in order to preserve the integrity of data <br />and eliminate redundancy. Without operator intervent,ion, the system ensures that all files reflect <br /> <br />2 <br />