If you have a fixed collection, or one that grows slowly, a flat file
system can be an easy and simple choice, especially if your access to
I.T. resources is limited (and in Records Management when has that ever
been not true).
However, if your database gets too large, (with D-Base 5 it was just
under 20,000 records where it reached it's limit) you will suddenly
smack up against the scalability problem and performance will go
bye-bye. For that reason alone, you have to limit the metadata, and
every other data related element in your flat file database.
I'd also try to design the database with as many discrete data fields as
possible, and avoid large free text fields. This will make the
transition to a relational database easier, should you ever need to do
that.
Bill Creamer
Records & Conflicts Manager
NY NY 10019
(212) 728-3448
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-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Amy Harrelson
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 1:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [RM] Flat File Structures
Hello List Serve,
I am wondering if there is ever a time when managing records that a
flat file structure is a good thing? I really find that relational
databases to be advantageous for a large set of records but I would like
input from you all. Also, is there any reason in a flat file structure
that you would limit the amount of metadata?
Much thanks,
adh
Amy Harrelson
LCRA
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703
Phone: 512.473.3200 X 7453
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