When I was in the HR department of an underground coal mine in Colorado, (and yes, I worked underground but only during training)! I developed a local database that "mirrored" a mainframe data base in another city. The reason was that the mainframe required a programmer to get data out and with a local database I could do in seconds, what normally took months! I used an informal SDLC with gathering information, interviewing managers, reviewing documents and reports, and made sure that I could easily alter the data base as other needs arose. I designed the database after gathering the information and identifying the needs. I then used it to keep a running total of 350 hourly and salaried employees, as well as their dependents. The system allowed me to complete a monthly 25-page employment report with the click of a computer command instead of hours typing in a MS Word Document. Time savings along for me was remarkable. Managers reviewed the reports from the information and we made changes accordingly. Could my system be improved? If so, how?