Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Blog 5 - Uses of Databases in Construction Firms - Alkiviadis Tsitsios

There are numerous methods and organizational tactics for the gathering of information in project management and construction. Databases are useful because they provide a computer based system that helps manage information for the users. Warehouses are used by many construction firms to store equipment and provide an inventory of the materials that are used for projects. Written records have always been used, but now databases can be used to store that information forever, while having the ability to share it with other parties. Computer based database systems also have the significant advantage in the ability to rapidly retrieve the information for immediate use while lowering costs. The database requires a great amount of attention to guarantee that the program can accomplish all tasks.

The Database Manager Program is a software that directs the storage, maintenance, manipulation, and retrieval of data. By issuing specific requests to the DBM, users have the ability to retrieve and store data. The DBM helps free the user from the detail of HOW data is stored. A wide range of users with different needs can use the same database by utilizing DBM. For example, the DBM can be used to report on all project tasks which have been scheduled to be underway at a particular date or time. Using a query language, the DBM will be available to the user in this way. A conceptual data model exists which shows the user an abstract representation of the data. The overall configuration of the information is called the conceptual schema. Within a record of a datafile, a piece of data may hold value. In this case, the datafile may consist of a series of records that contain predefined variables. These variables may be text characters or numbers. There is also the relational data model, where the database is organized in relations, or tables of data which are arranged in ways detailed inthe data dictionary. Tables can illustrate “DESCRIPTION”, “ITEM_CODE”, OUTPUT, TIME_UNIT, and other inputs. The data recorded in each row can be obtained during bid preparations, whether taken from past projects, or commercial services. The number of attributes in a relation can be expanded however much desired as well. There are many uses for databases in construction.

Formative vs Summative Assessment - Eberly Center - Carnegie Mellon University, www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html.


JULIE HANSTED ANDERSEN
Well thought out descripton on rational database theories, which I was uninformed about prior to reading your post. Its use in managing databases. Using links to relate tables between one another is a useful tool that can be used in engineering and construction.

MAALIK KAPTUE
Because I wrote about database management in construction firms, learning about its impact in design offices is helpful. Having the ability to view material schedules, and observe components of architecture is very beneficial in the design of a project.

BLAS ANDRES RODRIGUEZ VIEIRA
Thank you for informing about SQL, as it is the standard language for relational database management. Having a language that can be understood universally is very useful. Because it is the standard language, it can be used to perform tasks and update data.








1 comment:

  1. I like that those of us who strictly researched databases are able to understand the benefits that they have in the construction industry. I am not familiar with the Database Manager Program and it sounds like a useful software that construction firms can integrate into their projects. It is impressive to hear that you are able to use as many attributes as you need within your database.

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