A database schematic is a map that shows you the relationships between various tables and the data elements within those tables. Schematics are especially useful for understanding how all the related tables within a Banner module fit together. A piece of data (a last name or an ID, for example) often gets used in several different tables throughout your system. When you are setting up modules or functional areas in Banner, you need to know which sets of data depend upon other sets, and which data must be present before you can create other data.

Each item in every table has a unique "column name," which is different from the name that appears on the Banner form. For instance, a piece of data that is always called "User ID" on any of your Banner forms actually has a unique location in every table, and a unique column name to go with that location. There are many different ways to create data schematics. At SCT, we use a program called Visio. Visio enables you to create detailed, easy-to-read maps of table relationships. Schematics that you create with Visio can then be saved in different formats so that users without Visio can view them.

Be careful when you use SCT database schematics for tables, modules, or functional areas that have been customized at your institution. The schematics that SCT delivers are based on non-customized databases. Your customized system may be different.

Database schematics for many of the modules within your Banner product appear in the Technical Reference Manual.

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