Taking the requirements from my previous post I set about to put together a simple database structure that would serve as the backend for my prototype T&E application. Below I have indicated to what extent the functionality is supported by the proposed structure:
– Timesheet entry
primary functionality
– Client / project / job management (both billable and non-billable)
project/work item management is primary functionality
client management is not part of this app
– Staff management including the ability to analyse planned staff availability and setup schedule of rates
not part of this app
– Expense management
primary functionality
– Decent reporting / charting / analysis / modelling functionality
support provided through reporting services
– Ability to export into csv, xml etc
support provided through reporting services
– Invoicing / billing management
not part of this app
– Email notifications (timesheets due, upcoming staff availability, billing/invoicing due etc)
not part of this app (initially)
– Be able to track Time and Expenses OFFLINE
primary functionality
– Be able to integrate with TFS
primary functionality
See the following image for an overview of the initial database which should cater for most of these requirements. I say initial because like most projects, I’m sure I will want to change the scope as I go along…..
