The use of database systems is
crucial when it comes to the construction industry. Specifically, the spread
and management of information on different topics and knowledge is important to
the field of construction. One reason why databases are so important in
construction is it is primarily difficult to capture knowledge in the industry.
[1] One key advantage, especially today, with having a database to refer to as
a contractor is researching new technologies that other firms may have already
tried or worked with. [1] Once a firm uses a new technology, they can update
the database with their findings from the successes and failures with the new
technique, material, or process.
One specific form of database that
works well for the construction industry is web-based databases. In an article
put out by the 27th IPMA World Congress, knowledge management, web
based database systems, and development of WEB-CONS are all talked about in
their relation to construction firms. [2] WEB-CONS is a tool that was created
to help with the distribution of information between construction firms, to
make it easier to share the ideas and knowledge that some firms may have about
specific projects. [2] These ideas are easily shared over the web, and
therefore can be shared all over the world between firms. However, web-based
databases are only one example of the use of database systems in the
construction industry.
Another application of databases in
the construction industry is to store labor, equipment, and material cost data,
making it easier for cost analysis as it eliminates the manual application. [3]
These databases can be used alongside other software, i.e. CAD, so that the
design elements are being directly inputted into the database and cost analysis
is done via those details. Cost estimating is extremely important for the
bidding process that construction firms must partake in. [3] These cost
estimating and analysis database software’s allow for a more accurate result
and reduce labor, therefore saving the firm money in the future.
Finally, databases are important
for the overall construction process. Throughout the building process, there
are many steps between the initial design work and the final construction of
the building. Databases can be used to store the documents that go along with
each step of the process. This allows for collaboration between each
contributor to the building, and reduces the risk of confusion throughout the
lifecycle of the building. [3] Nonetheless, it makes it easier and more clear
to the owner when everything, including the drawings and cost analysis sheets,
are composed in one place.
Karan Sagar Sinha-
I thought your post was really well written with a lot of
pertinent information, specifically, the first hand experience that you
explained as having with your coop. I agree it is extremely important for
contractors to have a database to store the information they have on materials
and schedules for building designs. I also talked about the use of database
software for the collaboration between firms during the design process, so I
was interested to see that you incorporated it as well. Overall, great post in
my opinion!
Jon Swartz-
Your post was very clear and to the point in that it talked
about specific application of databases today in the construction industry. I
don’t really know much about the use of handheld devices as a tool for database
software, so it was interesting to me that you talked about that. Like my post
and some others that I read, you brought up cost estimating as the most crucial
application of database software for construction firms, which I totally agree
with.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post. I have never heard of WEB-CONS and I found that very interesting. I agree with your view point on how databases have tremendously improved the construction industry. I believe that the more information we have the better estimations and designs we’d produce. With advancements in databases I believe that there have been numerous improvements in cost estimation and construction analysis. Also, general knowledge in the construction field has been drastically improved.