B5 - Karan Sagar Sinha

In this weeks discussion/blog we were asked to explore – How databases can be used in construction firms. I feel that the benefits of using database in construction firms reduce the cost of construction. Databases in construction firms that are being used presently are mainly for cost and scheduling purposes. During my co-op, I had experienced the use of database first hand as our project manager on site would have a spreadsheet that contained all the latest drawing sets and had the current schedule and the budget. Having this would make it easier for him to communicate with the onsite workers and he would always have a number ready if he ever had to present to a client or to a higher official.

Database can be used when estimating the price per square foot of a specific type of building/residence. The database uses information and standards for different jobs and shows an average price that can be used to calculate how much your project would cost. Another problem is managing labor and being able to have a unified schedule for when different labor teams should be onsite -- having laborers onsite to do finishing before the spaces are constructed can lead to large wastes of money. Sometimes complex building projects also require simultaneous work of different types to keep the time of construction down -- which also ultimately saves money or can be worth a higher value. The biggest benefit of having database in construction is having a spreadsheet of all the materials and the schedule, this would be beneficial because the contractor or the project manager can keep track of the materials that arrived on the site and how much of it got used or how much got wasted. If utilized properly this could also aid the manager in ordering materials accordingly to reduce storage costs and wastage. Furthermore these systems will also allow for contractors to communicate intelligently with designers and other engineers in real-time instead of requesting a meeting to discuss the issues at length. Now changes or mark-ups can be made on models that are representative of the current progress of construction. These changes can be seen by designers and corresponding engineering teams that can make much more intelligent decisions about the design without the constraint of time and commuting.

Comments –

A.J Kuzniarowicz – I liked your post and how you wrote about LYNX, and how that software can make life easier for the entire construction firm. I have used LYNX during my coop and it definitely made a huge difference in tracking and keeping a schedule and costs of materials, also it makes it easier to communicate within the firm. Also I completely agree with you on your point that the contractors can quickly access the database and come up with an accurate budget.

Alexis – I really enjoyed your post, as I did not know anything about Object oriented database. After reading your post I was quite intrigued and I did further reading on relational databases.

Overall your post gives a very detailed information about Object oriented database.