The definition
of a database can be quickly obtained through a google (database) search as “a
collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed,
managed and updated.” [1] Exponential increases in technology, online services,
and servers have led to the computerization of massive, highly accessible collections
of information. These advances have become integrated in to our society so that
we do not think about using them anymore, the process has become second nature.
Specialization of databases has also occurred. There are now databases for
everything from medical research to fashion history. This analysis will discuss
how contractors are using databases for marketing and BIM systems.
When
one searches an online database for contractors, databases containing information
on contractors are the overwhelming majority of search results. These sites
allow contractors to market their businesses, build their reputations and
connect with a broad base of customers. Business experiences can be rated and
described by past customers so that potential ones can make informed decisions
about who they should hire. The database provides “company details, information
on senior decision makers, financial information, and court judgements.” [2]
Generally this type of database is a marketing tool for contractors and a
search tool for buyers. It seeks to form connections and to provide the relevant
information needed for informed business decision making. Said services are now
fairly common place across construction, maintenance, and other service
industries.
The
future of contractor database use lies in the streamlining of the construction
and design processes through BIM technologies. BIM systems are most generally
thought of as drawing programs. However they have the potential and are now
sometimes used to reference material data and dimensions, place orders, and
manage tracking, location and installation. [3] Currently it is not incredibly
common for technology to be used in this way. It seems as if construction
management firms are the main users. This is largely due to how design
processes are currently run with separated planning stages or a non-integrated
approach. If practices change, it is likely that production companies will virtually
model their products and have them preloaded or available for use in BIM
systems. Contractors already rely on databases however as technological capabilities
are further extended and integrated into daily work the capabilities of
contractors through database usage will also significantly grow.
I commented on James Redus’s and Laura Worley’s
posts.
References:
[1] Rouse, Margaret. "DEFINITION:
Database." SearchSQLServer. SearchSQLServer, 2015. Web. 7 Feb.
2016.
[2] "Main Contractors Database." InsightData.
InsightData, 2016. Web. 7 Feb. 2016.
[3] Eastman, Charles M. BIM
Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers,
Designers, Engineers, and Contractors. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley, 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2016.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteMy post involved how databases are applicable to designers so it was interesting to learn from your post how databases are applicable to contractors. It sounds like databases help with advertisement for contractors and like you said it is somewhat a “buy-and-sell” technique. However, I believe that it is more than that; not only can contractors advertise, but they can access information regarding contracting from a variety of database resources. If they experience a unique problem during a project that they do not know exactly how to fix, they can access a database to see if this problem was encountered before, and they can see potential solutions to this problem. I have not done research regarding this idea, but I am sure that this is helpful in some cases. Databases contain a plethora of information and as long as one performs the right search or looks in the right place, applicable information will come to them.