Week 6: Database in the Construction Industry

The key to a successful construction firm is the ability to get jobs done on time and on budget.   A 1998 report by J. Egan addresses the importance a project manager has on the performance of the construction of a building.  While databases are ever improving, the concept of having all data pertaining to a project in a centralized location available to all stakeholders of the project holds true.  A major factor that has driven the need for the construction industry to improve and embrace the use of project management and BIM software is the complexity of projects (Alshawi).  Not only are project becoming more complex, but are having expedited construction schedules and tighter budgets. 

A few factors that Alshawi discusses in his 2003 paper on web-enabled project management are:

·      Lack of adequate communication

·      Lack of integration between project teams

·      Lack of integration in software

·      Lack of a standard process for project management

·      Lack of adequate project planning software

Although there have been great advances in the software for use in the construction industry, this list is still prevalent today as we have discussed in past posts and class discussions. 

Bentley, as discussed last week, is in a partnership that will allow for a searchable database of specifications accessible by construction firms.  Having a centralized, standard database for specifications would save significant amount of time in the construction industry.   The traditional method of specifications would be print outs in binders stored in the trailer on site.  The first step would be to, at the very least, computerize these files that would, at least, allow for a ‘search’ command to be performed.  However, Bentley is taking this one step further and making a web-based (cloud based) system; which would allow for instant updates to every team member and access anywhere there is an Internet connection on virtually any device.

The few papers I read on the topic were prior to 2008, when the construction industry was hesitant to move to computerized web-based managing systems/software.  I find it very enlighten to read older papers such as those that I referenced because it shows the progress the construction industry is making. 

References:

Alshawi, Mustafa, Ingirige, Bingunath.  "Web-enaabled project management  an emerging paradigm in construction." Automation in Construction, Elsevier. 2003.

Bentley, Spec-Wave. http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/SpecWave+Composer/

Egan, J. "Rethinking construction: report of the construction task force on the scope of rim proving the quality and efficiency of UK construction." London, 1998.

Cheung, S. et. al. "PPMS: a Web-based construction Porject Performance Monitoring System." Automation in Construction, Elsevier. 2004.

Comments on Others:

Mike Wright:
Mike, this was a great over view! I knew nothing about SQL and I think your post makes a good introduction/small history lesson. I find it interesting that this was standardized by two organizations. The Bentley guy last week commented on the fact that even though they are 'standardized' doesn't mean firms have to use them. Is that the case in with this?

Signe

Did you find any research that said how databases have improved the work done by design firms?  You reference BIM, what type of information can BIM store/how is that utilized specifically by the design firm, or is it information that will make the construction progress more efficiently, etc.?


Michael Kilgallon

I agree with Ivan, your post explained a relational database very well.  It is interesting to see how many different ways information has to be processed within a database and how different methods handle the data.