[SATLUG] OT: Any experienced data modelers out there willing to help me out?

[M. Filio]

Hi all,

I've been beating my head up against a wall for quite a while now
trying to create a flexible enough model for a relational database to
be able to monitor tests on a pricelist.

Some of the issues that I'm trying to deal with in the model:

- The source of data is external to me and I can't control it in any way.
- The tests I'm trying to monitor have no single true identifier.
        - There are in fact 4 sets of codes used to identify tests
        - The 'name' of the tests aren't uniform across all data
        - The system I'm monitoring does in fact still have duplicates
- I need to be keep track of price modifications
- I need to be able to track when tests have been withdrawn
- I need to be able to track when they've finally fixed a duplicate
test and merged it into a single code

- I would like to be able to match what I develop against other
companies if they do the same services

If anyone is interested on kicking some ideas about on a weekend
maybe, please contact me off list.

Thanks,

Michael Filio