The Design and Implementation of a Computerized Information System of the Virginia Seafood Processors

As the age of the computer is entered into, the storage, retrieval and processing of data or information increases in importance. This importance grows simply from the continuous generation of increasing amounts of information in today's societies. In order not to be overcome by a oncoming deluge of data, the use of the computer is being relied on to handle data storage, retrieval and processing. Although many large organizations now rely solely on their computers for data management, many smaller organizations have yet to make any use of them. The principle reasons delaying the utilization of the computer by such organizations are (1) the availability of a computer, (2) the realization of a need of a computerized information system, and (3) the creation and management of such a system. The first obstacle is being overcome by the introduction of small computers and by the buying of computer time on large computer systems. Today, it is connnon to find companies who operate large computer systems for the purpose of selling computer time to the small user. The second and third reasons are not as clearly defined as the first. However, a particular realization of such a need and the implementation of the computerized information system to service it will be discussed.

A simple computerized information system has been designed and placed into operation in the Food Science and Technology Department at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. This data base consists of information describing the seafood processors in the state of Virginia. The need for such information has been apparent to the extension workers serving the seafood industry as well as to the processors themselves. Data describing the number and location of the processing plants and the products they handle was of obvious importance in advising and planning for a profitable growth of the industry. Having recognized the need for this information, it was decided that the information should be computerized. In this way, the information would be easier to update and process. The acquisition, design and processing of this information or data by the computer programs written for this project will be discussed.