Logical View


The logical view is used to make the users life easier. In a database there is only one physical view, but there can be multiple ways a user can view each item, using their own logic that best suits them. The logical view is unique to any one user; each user can decide what they want to view and how they want to view items on a database. Not only can each individual chose what logical view they would like, but also they can set that view up as the default. It also allows people to understand the layout of how the database works, such as the architecture. This helps users understand the functions and workflows.

Why would a person want to use the Logical View? Each individual usually has a specific task and differentiates from the next user in a business, but all employees are working off the same database. All users do not need to view all areas of the database, only the areas that pertain to their job. This eliminates the extra information that the specific user will not need. The user will be able to have a tree like structure or diagram that has a list of all items on the data base, this also allows the user to see what they can access, but they have the ability to chose items custom to their needs.
For example:
 A bookkeeping firm will keep Accounts Receivable Records and Accounts Payable Records. The business keeps the checks and balance system in place they will have one employee for the Accounts Receivables (AR) and another employee for the Accounts Payable (AP). The accounts receivable clerk does not need to see the checks that are being cut by the accounts payables clerk because it does not pertain to the accounts receivable clerks’ job. The accounts receivable clerk will set their logical view to show the Customer Number and maybe the customers balance due. This helps the accounts receivable clerk view only what he/she needs and makes the database less complicated. The accounts payables clerk does not need to view which customers owe and what their balances due are. The accounts payables clerk only needs to know the bank balance and the invoices that need to be paid. So the accounts payables clerk at this time will set their logical view to only view the tables they need.

The Logical view will improve a company’s procedures by allowing users to only access the tables or information that they need to. When in employee is doing date entry such as accounts receivables it is very repetitive and the employee does not need any more distractions. By simplifying the data that the employee is looking at will eliminates minor errors that can actually cause headaches to the other employees.

The logical view is a simple term, which helps the user only view the items they need for their specific task. The logical view is a view that is logical to the database user. The database only has one physical view, but can have many logical views. Each user can have their own logical view that is unique to the user and unique to a specific task. This will help the user so they are not looking at an abundance of information that they have no use for. This will help eliminate errors, because the user will not be overwhelmed and confused.