Uses of databases in design offices

Uses of databases in design offices

The basic uses of databases are to structurally organize and capture large quantities of data by inputting, storing, retrieving and managing information. A database is defined as a collection of data that is stored in a computer in today’s world. A database application is a program that can retrieve and store the data. It is an inevitable component of modern companies and offices and some of the popular database applications are Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft Access. I will specifically talk about some uses of databases in design offices.

Customer Management[2]

A customer relationship management database can help companies manage the relationship with its customers. The database stores the information about customers including accounts, contact information, orders, details of customer service calls and anything that the companies have contacted with.

Employee Database[2]

The employee database manages the information about the employees. The database helps the human resource department and higher managers to organize their teams. Companies apply the database to smoothly run their internal operations. Not only the simple information about employees such as name, birthday, salary and address but also an intelligent method to find the right people to do the right tasks could be provided by the database.

BIM[3]

Building Information Modelling is also a representation of an advanced database. It shows that databases are not only limited to words and number but also 3D models like Revit. BIM could store and repeatedly use parametric designs such as families. Working with other cloud service, BIM could even be used in mobile devices to easily present your ideas to different stakeholders.

Cloud Service

Cloud services such as Dropbox and iCloud become more and more powerful. Cloud service is an advanced database application. You could easily upload your works into the cloud and use it through all your devices. Sharing is another significant function for cloud service application. You could work together with your partner on the same document from wherever you get accessed to Internet. It could save tons of time and money.

Reference:

[1] http://www.herzing.ca/blog/winnipeg/the-importance-of-database-applications-in-the-office/

[2] http://smallbusiness.chron.com/database-uses-business-64298.html

[3] http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/overview

Comments

Joe Dressel

Thank you for explaining what object oriented databases are. You also compared relational databases with object oriented databases. Now I understand the differences between these two types of databases and the benefits of using object oriented databases. I think BIM is a good example that contains a huge object oriented database.

Rachel Frank

The idea of organizational memory is very interesting. I like how organizational memory helps the construction industry to quickly process information from the past. Also, web-based databases are also a useful tool because they are easy to learn and use. However, you mentioned the security issues about using web-based databases as a disadvantage. What would you like to use if you are a construction manager?

Ronald Herazo

Thank you for describing relational databases in detail. Your pictures really helped me to understand the concept. Also, you talked about SQL in the end. I thought SQL is one type of databases before. Now I know that SQL is a language to manipulate relational databases. It is like a communication channel connecting databases.