B5- Databases in Construction Firms

The use of databases have become more widespread in this day in age in the industry. A first glance, one may think that only design firms use databases. They can utilize databases as a way to keep track of projects and the files that are associated with them. Construction firms utilize databases in the same aspects. Construction firms have databases that keeps record of the projects they have been a part of. These databases have things like project name, location, dates, and sometimes a company specific project name. Databases like this make it very helpful for firms to sort through their project inventory, see who they have worked for and where the project has been located. These kinds of databases are more for organization, they act as a helpful resource to find data.

Databases are a helpful way to organize data that is accumulated over time, they also act a way to consolidate data and even get rid of paper files and resources. One way this is possible is the file storage, construction firms like design firms are starting the long process of turning all the paper documents like drawings, details and cut sheets into computer files. These files will last forever and helps firms get rid of the paper in their office. These files all have different names, dates and project IDs and are easy to find because the only thing necessary is to sort by any specific attributes. Files databases are very simple to set up, with only needing one or two team members to know basic SQL or any other language to create and edit the database.

Estimating is a critical part of the construction process and it is extremely important to try and get the estimates as accurate as possible. RS Means is a great resource in the task of estimating. The only problem with RS Means is the high cost and the fact each year a firm needs to buy a new paper version. RS Means is moving to being an online resource and its large database will help the construction firms do their estimating more efficiently. Now more than one person can be using the RS Means database without having to share the book. This will make work easier and more productive. RS Means has tracking of almost every attribute necessary in the database to make it as user friendly as possible.

Sources:

-https://www.texturacorp.com/bidmanagement-blog/part-i-how-do-general-contractors-manage-their-databases/

-http://buildersandconstructioncompanies.com/database-directory-marketing-list

Comments:

Kerry,
I remembered learning about relational database theory from INFO 210 and I think you did a really good job summarizing it and getting the key points across. I brought up these types of databases in my blog post for the week. I think that these databases are easy to implement and that SQL is a language that can be easily picked up. Relational databases exist everywhere and I talked about RS Means online as an example of a database in the construction field.

Cody, 
I really liked how you introduced Dynamo as many students don't what it is and many if not all of us know the workings behind it. I personally believe that Dynamo can make the entire design process more efficient. Also after reading your post, I did not know how many programs rely on SQL, a language that most AEs-DB know.

Lauren,

Good job on your post this week, CPWR is a really important database in the industry and it is really important for students to understand the uses of databases in a construction firm. I think its almost necessary for students to understand the IT aspects of the construction industry.