Due to the size of construction projects, there are vast amounts of information that is recorded and stored but do need to be retrieved. By using databases this information can be kept without having to use up physical space, the information can be shared with authorized users and can be summoned with a couple clicks. This kind of organization can lower costs, making analysis of data easier. The more data that is inputted into the database will give the organization using the database more room for analysis. These databases can greatly improve organization as different pieces of information can be organized into queries. Databases are used for auditing, tracking users, generating reports, and creating group assignments. These databases can become so big that tables containing columns of information can be connected to other tables. Relational databases help immensely with cost estimates, and time. The relational database makes updating very easy as the design of the project is still in progress. These kinds of features are especially useful when using programs like Revit. In some cases manufacturers have their products recorded on the program in which the database is being created and information can automatically be filled in the proper categories. Going back to the analysis part of databases. I think that these databases can really improve construction by finding trends with the data gathered. By finding trends you can either determine that the trend is bad and needs to be fixed or it is good and suggest ways to improve it. Obviously hundreds of projects would have to be examined to determine if there are any trends. I agree with David Morrison that databases are "glorified excel files" and that the main features are to organize data and to be able to search for that data quickly when needed. I find that databases having their own language in SQL is interesting. This is something that we have talked a lot about with BIM. There needs to be one universal language in which all programs can use so that different firms can use the data even if they don't have the same programs.
http://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html#14.4 Organizing Information in Databases
http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=12&C=838&P=5
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/pubs/07020/
No comments:
Post a Comment