Data structure for a relational database system for collecting component and specification level data related to products

摘要

A relational database system allows users to search for specific products based on component criteria. The relational database system allows for unlimited number and type of components to be associated with products and employs a data architecture that enforces consistent product data including consistent description format among like products and consistent component descriptions whenever components are used in products. Product and component specification data is arranged in such a way as to allow users to search for specific products based on component criteria. The structure allows for an unlimited number and type of components to be associated with products and can accommodate future technologies that are not yet identified. The database system employs a series of tables having relationships that promote consistency, accuracy and ease of use by employing selection lists wherever data redundancy is possible. The database system automatically concatenates product descriptions using a component table. The relational database system allows mathematical additions of component values, such as cumulative system memory accumulated over a period of time, via the use of a unit of measure table and measurement group table.