A database schema, in simple terms, is the structure of the data in a database. It tells us how the data is organized in a given database. SuiteCRM generally organizes its data in a tabular form. That is the data is displayed within tables. When you click a folder, the data inside it is also categorized into tables.
However, what you see is only the GUI or Graphical User Interface. It lets you interact with the database that is working in the background. The actual database is much more complex. There will be more than 100 tables on a single screen. And it is much more difficult to manage.
You are probably thinking so what? Just scroll through the tables one by one. Well, you can’t. These tables will be in no order at all. You will have to arrange them and place them in an order which you find fit.
SuiteCRM uses MySQL to store data
You know SuiteCRM stores your data into a MySQL Database. It is a relational database management system. Therefore, it is in tabular form. However, it is the SuiteCRM Database Schema. Which is a good thing, considering all the data is already in tables. You will only have to sort the tables. And let’s be honest, traditional databases with tables look more organized than non-relational databases.
To Arrange the data in the SuiteCRM Database Schema
You can simply follow the steps of the SuiteCRM database schema Guide. Before you go to the steps, let’s take a look at some of the terms you will be coming across. These are the different ways which you can use to arrange those messy tables.
Subject Area
A subject area is the top-most level of the tables in your data. You simply have to draw a rectangle around a group of tables, and they will be included in that area. A subject area helps you in grouping these tables. Some examples of common subject areas are Calls, Users, and Clients.
Table Shortcuts
After you have divided the tables using subject areas these areas will have many repetitive tables. These tables store the data related to the subject areas. You can simply use the ‘table shortcuts’ option to sort out such repetitive yet important tables. Just copy the table you want to create a shortcut for. But instead of pasting the table, paste a shortcut by using CTRL+K and not CTRL+V.
What is the difference?
CTRL + K will only be pasting an instance of that table, not copying the whole data again. Only an instance will be created not a completely new table.
So, now you are ready to follow the steps. While following the steps you will also understand how to get all info from a SuiteCRM database schema better.
Start by exporting your current database from SuiteCRM. You will need a database designing tool, ‘Vertabelo’ is one such tool.
After exporting your SuiteCRM database onto any online tool for database designing, follow these steps
- First, disable the autogenerate foreign key option in settings.
- Use the Subject Area to create groups of tables.
- Add all the repeated tables within subject areas as instances using Table Shortcuts.
The Final Result
After all the hard work, you will get a more organized schema. It is still in tabular form, but it is not messy. All the tables are grouped and linked to their parent tables. So, finally, your hard work has paid off.
So, you will notice that the SuiteCRM Database Schema is tabular. Instead of arranging the relational database provided by SuiteCRM into a non-relational database, it is best that you follow the tabular schema.
Changing the SuiteCRM schema can be tricky if you do not know how to get all info from a SuiteCRM database schema. Well, even if you know how to do it, it can be very time-consuming. Therefore, it is better to leave your team of IT professionals to it. Now you know if you wish to keep your SuiteCRM database updated you have to get the SuiteCRM Database Schema.
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