Database Concepts in Fashion Businesses: part 1
Hey, fashion enthusiasts! Today, let’s have a chat about why fashion businesses need a database nowadays
Hey, fashion enthusiasts! Today, let’s have a chat about why fashion businesses need a database nowadays. First off, fashion is an ever-changing business, with new trends and designs appearing on a daily basis.
Sometimes I go to the store and I see a particular trend, and a few days after, I find something entirely different.
Whew! Can fashion slow down already?
In any case, brands and retailers must keep up with these advances in order to stay relevant in the market and maintain their customer base. A database might be a useful tool for helping fashion companies manage their data and streamline their operations.
What really is a database?
Simply put, a database is a centralised repository for information that can be quickly queried and retrieved. Data such as customer information, product details, and transaction histories may all be stored in one convenient location, which aids in the organisation and management of the business’s data.
It’s that simple!
So why do fashion businesses need databases?
Before I answer that, I want you to circle back to the last time you visited a fashion store and you saw loads of clothes, shoes, accessories etc perhaps you even opted to try on a few…Where do you think those fashion pieces are documented? Or how do the stores keep track of their sales records?
You guessed right, databases!
Three Reasons Fashion Businesses Need a Database
- One of the most significant reasons databases are needed is that they help brands analyse customer behaviour and preferences. By storing customer data, such as purchase history and demographics, brands can gain valuable insights into their customers' preferences and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.
In some cases, a fashion brand might decide to segment its customers based on their fashion preferences and direct suitable ads to them.
For example, if a brand notices that a particular product is selling well in a certain region, they can increase their production and marketing efforts in that region.
Are you following?
2. Secondly, a database can help fashion brands manage their inventory more efficiently. By keeping track of their stock levels, brands can avoid overstocking or understocking, which can result in significant losses.
This is particularly important for fashion brands that produce limited edition or seasonal collections. By tracking their inventory levels, brands can plan their production schedules accordingly and ensure that they have enough stock to meet customer demand.
Take, for instance, Shein, the popular Chinese ultra-fast fashion brand taking over teen wardrobes, which uploads between 700 and 1,000 new styles, every day.
Shein leverages data analytics to produce a small quantity of some fashon items and then restocks a larger proportion of the products that consumers are craving for the most.
Where do you think Shein records all this product information?
Databases?
3. Thirdly, a database can help fashion brands streamline their supply chain operations. By storing supplier information and purchase orders, brands can manage their relationships with suppliers more efficiently.
They can track delivery times, monitor the quality of products received, and ensure that they are paying the right price for their supplies.
There are more reasons you need databases for your business, but these three should suffice to get you interested in databases and reading more about them.
But wait, I'm not done!
Let's have some fun with databases. In this section of the article, I will briefly define what SQL is, differentiate between a database, schema and table, and then you and I will explore a few SQL commands... Still, have no clue about what I am saying?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
*Winks*
FUNDAMENTAL DATABASE CONCEPTS: Database, Schema and Table
Now might be a good time to grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of databases!
Since I already defined a database, I will just hop on schemas and tables.
A table is a collection of data organised into rows and columns. Each column represents a specific attribute of the data, and each row represents a record or instance of that data. Tables are the most commonly used objects in SQL databases. They are used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data.
In simple terms, think of a database as a filing cabinet that stores all your information, and tables would be the drawers in which you store your files.
Don’t get confused, you can re-read the explanation or just follow through to my examples below.
Now, what’s schema?
A schema is a logical container for organising database objects such as tables, views, procedures, and functions. It provides a way to group related database objects together and control access to them. Think of it as a folder in which you organise your files in the drawer of your filing cabinet.
So, how do we create these objects in SQL?
Stay tuned for Database Concepts in Fashion Businesses: Part 2.
I promise the part 2 will be more technical and hands-on in SQL!
Sounds good hun? Okay, let’s summarize what we have discussed so far!
CONCLUSION
“In today’s ever-changing fashion industry, databases play a crucial role in helping businesses stay relevant and efficient. By analysing customer behaviour, managing inventory effectively, and streamlining supply chain operations, fashion brands can make data-driven decisions and meet the demands of their customers.
In Part 2, we will explore the technical aspects of SQL and delve into creating and managing database objects, providing a deeper understanding of how databases can empower fashion businesses.”
Hopefully, this conversation has been helpful in understanding these concepts better.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article as much as I enjoyed writing it. Like, share and drop your comments.
To drop a feedback,review or need clarification, reach out on info@data4fashion.org.
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Cheers,
Fashion Data Queen
