Use of Databases in Design Offices

Databases are typically used within design software. Information in stored in programs such as AutoCAD and Revit to be used during design – material sizes, qualities, and others information that is used constantly in the programs and also stored for future use. While these databases are used within the programs, there’s also continuous growth past what information is currently stored. Work is being put towards creating a more integrated process overall within the design process and going into the manufacturing process. While it is known that CAD is used for the design process, CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) is used within the manufacturing process the same way CAD is used – CAD automates design, and CAM automates the manufacturing process. To create a more integrated process, databases are made between both CAD and CAM so that the planning and management of the operations can be done by a computer, and then the database utilizes the information from a CAD program to transfer it to CAM systems. This CAD/CAM database pulls together data from the design phase (dimensions, necessary parts, etc.) in combination with data needed for manufacturing (tools necessary, timing, quantity, etc.). (1) While databases are used on within a single program, it’s important to see how they can be used to overlap different steps of a project to create a smooth-running project overall.

Even on a smaller scale, databases will become more regularly used, specifically in the technology within an office. Amazon’s Alexa devices utilizes database information to give quick responses. Currently, Alexa devices are being introduced to some university students (Georgia Tech, Arizona State, etc.) to utilize during the academic year. Utilizing these devices on this level, students can ask exam grades, upcoming assignments, etc. While this is obviously relevant to students, the same technique could be implemented in other settings as well, including design offices – “Believers say that the use of the technology will only expand” (2) and while the article specifically talks about the expansion within a school setting, it can go much further than that. In a design office, the use of products like an Echo can pull together databases to relay the information (regarding previous projects, standards, etc.) faster than going through books and other methods.

References:

(1)    Khemani, Haresh. “CAD Applications: CAD/CAM Database” https://www.brighthubengineering.com/cad-autocad-reviews-tips/19615-applications-of-cad-software-cadcam-database/

(2)    Ellis, Lindsay. “Hey Alexa, Should We Bring Virtual Assistants to Campus? These Colleges Gave Them a Shot” (August 2, 2018) https://www.chronicle.com/article/Hey-Alexa-Should-We-Bring/244129?cid=wb&utm_source=wb&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=fca8c6a17b7943d696dd417c6c7d660f&elq=02622bf46f104a1d98af1a2355bb2f4b&elqaid=19988&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=9293

Responses:

To Alkiviadis Tsitsios, you bring up really good points about how important databases are. Like you said, databases are being used for more than just storing information, but as a way to share it with other parties. This creates a better communication within construction, which is something that is often difficult in the field.

To Hailey Ihlow, I’m also in the database class, and you bring up a great point about how difficult it can be to actually put together a database and manage it. Applying the knowledge is more of an advanced thing, I agree, because the effort “behind the scenes” is a lot more difficult when it’s not transferring information from tables.

To Aaron Goldberg, you explain the relational database theory well - databases in general is not something I know much about, and your post helped explain past how databases are used generally. I think it’s interesting how it looks towards the future and what can be expected and the idea that companies such as HP are potentially expanding technology even further is quite interesting.