What is a potential disadvantage of using multiple independent databases in an organization?

Using multiple independent databases within an organization can lead to increased data redundancy, which is a significant disadvantage. When different departments or units maintain their own databases, there is a high likelihood of duplicating information across these systems. This redundancy occurs because various databases may store similar or even identical data for their specific purposes.

As a result, managing this redundancy can create difficulties in terms of data consistency, as updates or changes may not propagate across all databases, potentially resulting in outdated or conflicting information. The presence of multiple copies of the same data can also lead to inefficient storage use and more complex data management processes. This undermines the organization’s ability to operate effectively and make well-informed decisions, as accessing a single, reliable version of the data becomes challenging.

In contrast, centralized databases can minimize redundancy, promoting uniformity and accuracy in data management. This highlights why increased data redundancy is identified as a potential disadvantage of maintaining multiple independent databases in an organization.