B5 - Group E - Yuxiao Zhou

Nowadays, database is part of our life in anywhere. Database is a structure set of data to be stored in computer. In construction work, database can be access by architects, engineers, contractors and project managers. Database is using for cost estimating and project scheduling. People can save and load information through database easily and working with others.    

For example, architects can access to database to check previous design, engineers can check the subsurface exploration information or design conditions. Contractors can analysis the construction material’s price and compare the product list. For construction industry, cost estimating is very important. We need to reduce the cost and also meet the design standard. Database is very useful when contractor working with cost estimating. For the past time, contractor need to check every product list and compare all products one by one. But if we have a public database, contractor can compare all products by simple clicking. Product cost, product size, product property, installing period and manufacture information in single page together. The more important thing is, database will keep all the product information to the newest version which is good benefit for both contractor and manufacturer. It will save a lot of time by using database to do the cost estimating.

For project scheduling part, every team members can save their work to a team database which can let every team member to check others’ work progress. By checking those information, the schedule can be make easily and accurately.

Database is a great tool for construction industry. Before database came out, all the information work must be done by human, which will take a lot of time and money. Database can use computer’s computing power and finish the work simply, accurately and efficiency. For construction industry, database is really a part of our industry. 

Comment
Ronald Park(https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/ronald-park-group-d-b5-uses-of.html)
I totally agree with your opinion, database can share to anyone in the firm easily and keep it in a security condition.

Ng Andrew(https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/ng-andrew-assignment-b5-sql-group-b.html)
SQL is a very important computer language. It can save time by using standard command and script. It is a very efficiency language, the script is gathering information and computing to the results.

Kerianne Vogler(https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/uses-of-databases-in-construction-firms.html)
I have the same opinion with you. Database in construction industry can be used for cost estimating and project scheduling. Manufacturer can update the product information and contractor can access it very easily, it also can make team member share their work through database.   

B5 - Abdullatif Alkandari - GroupC

ODBMS

Object-Oriented Database Management Systems (or ODBMS) supports the modeling and creation of data as objects and has the characteristics of polymorphism, inheritance and encapsulation to enable the storage of complex data. It is widely used to facilitate access and retrieval relevant to the archives of a corporation, and having such database systems enables users to modify and create objects faster and more conveniently than other systems.

Other types of databases like the Relational Database Management Systems, are used to support and maintain simple forms of data such as employee name, date of birth and other pieces of information that combine to create a profile. ODBMS on the other hand, are designed to handle more complex forms of data as they have the capacity to store media such as audio, video, CAD modules and Geographical Information Systems. This is because ODBMS combines object-oriented technology to provide integrated development systems.

            Due to these capabilities, ODBMS allow access to information at the object level in a sense that the required data is already configured and assembled ready to be used once it’s summoned. This gives it a huge advantage when compared with RDBS that tends to deal with data that is broken down into individual chunks which are much more useful once compiled together. Another benefit of having an ODBMS is that it takes advantage of the processing level of the client’s servers rather than depending on the typical network that can be significantly less effective.

            OODBMS have their own disadvantages due to the lack of awareness and experience for the typical user. The comprehension of the concept behind OODBMS is crucial to understanding how to work with such databases because they have specific characteristics that enables them to carry out complex tasks and dealing with huge chunks of data. And perhaps it will become more common knowledge as it continues to be more relevant overtime and more jobs will require experience with them.

Resources:

"What Is Object-oriented Database Management System (OODBMS or ODBMS)? Object-oriented Database Management System (OODBMS or ODBMS). SearchOracle, N.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.

 <http://searchoracle.techtarget.com/definition/object-oriented-database-management-system>.

"Why Aren't OODBMS as Widespread as RDBMS?" Database - Why Aren't OODBMS as Widespread as RDBMS? - Stack Overflow. N.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2017.

<http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1350044/why-arent-oodbms-as-widespread-as-rdbms>

Comments:

Karianne Vogler: Your post on the use of databases in construction for cost estimates of materials and resources made me realize how important they can be to contractors and construction managers. It can make their job easier as they prepare to bid for a project or in adjusting the project budget if necessary in a convenient and time efficient matter. And the advantage that this type of database has as opposed to other databases is the fact that it is easier to understand and work with.

Ray Powell: I found your post about databases in design offices very informative and provided a clear understanding of how these systems work. The fact that it enables the designers to access the module which they wish to modify and add to the project makes both their and the architect’s job easier. It furthermore makes the components of the design more homogeneous since the entire team is working on the same database with their ability to adjust its details similar to the case with the Revit family feature.

Nick Pawlikowski: I enjoyed your Structured Query Language explanation because it was easy o grasp and it clearly shows the purpose behind it when IBM first developed it. Having a database that behaves as a mediator between the user and the information they’re trying to obtain is a brilliant idea that makes information gathering more convenient. Given the embedded codes, predictions and expressions in a SQL, more people can learn to deal with more complex databases like the Relational Database Management Systems due to SQL acting as a facilitator.

B5 - Andy Dinh - Object Oriented Databases

     "An object-oriented database management system (OODBMS), sometimes shortened to ODBMS for object database management system), is a database management system (DBMS) that supports the modelling and creation of data as objects." [1]. This seems to be the general consensus of a definition that people agree on for an object oriented database. Upon further research, it really is just that, a database that is held either within the servers of a company or in the cloud/internet to be shared with others. This database can have data on different families or classes depending on which software the objects are used for. such as Revit or AECOSIM.

     One of the advantages of having an OODBMS is the extensibility of the database. You can make new types of data from existing objects. This pretty much means that you can modify an exiting object to fit your needs without the need to create a new object from scratch. This would allow for faster development as there is more re-usability of the object and can allow for easier maintenance of the database. another advantage given in having an OODBMS is the handling of a much larger variety of data. Other databases such as network or relational doesn't expand on such capabilities whereas an ODBMS can include pictures, test, numbers, and other such data needed for the objects in use.

     A disadvantage we can look into to see where OODBMS is currently is that there is a lack of experience. I can be a part of such a statistic as I honestly did not know what and object oriented database was until I was doing research on the subject. Even then, I still have not had actual experience with such a database and I am not sure what it would entail to know. The database itself seems to be leaning more towards better use by programmers rather than a beginning user trying to understand the system. Also, there are no standards set in place. This is usually set by whatever company or entity that is using the databases, but there is no universal standard set for all OODBMS.

     Theses advantages and disadvantages were just some highlights. There is a lot more to know about these databases but that requires a deeper understanding of how these databases are integrated into the project it is needed for. I hope to be able to learn more in the future about this, and from the subjects of some of the topics in class that are upcoming, we may get just that.

References:

[1] Obasanjo, Dare. "AN EXPLORATION OF OBJECT ORIENTED DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS." Why Aren't You Using An Object Oriented Database Management System? N.p., 2001. Web. 12 Feb. 2017. <http://www.25hoursaday.com/whyarentyouusinganoodbms.html>.

[2] Rouse, Margaret, and Krishna Kumar. "What Is Object-oriented Database Management System (OODBMS or ODBMS)? - Definition from WhatIs.com." Object-oriented Database Management System (OODBMS or ODBMS). SearchOracle, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2017. <http://searchoracle.techtarget.com/definition/object-oriented-database-management-system>.

[3] Thakur, Dinesh. "What Is Object Oriented Database (OODB)? Advantages and Disadvantages of OODBMSS." What Is Object Oriented Database (OODB)? Advantages and Disadvantages of OODBMSS. Computer Notes, n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2017. <http://ecomputernotes.com/database-system/adv-database/object-oriented-database-oodb>.

Comments:

Andrew Ng (link) - I found it interesting to read about the way that SQL works, especially seeinghow you mentioned that it was given praise to by Facebook and Google. I have never had the experience of learning such programming languages. I like to see that it can ensure productivity, as with more competing markets there is a need for more projects or content to be produced. I would like to see if it could benefit us more in the design.consultant field or work as that is what I aim for working with after graduation.

Kerianne Volger (link) - After writing about my topic on OODBMSs, it was a good read on how such a database can be involved in a specific field of work. I do agree on how important it is for estimators in construction. Having the ease of access to such data along with easier updates on the information itself is very helpful. The database becomes a very handy resource and I hope to see one database that can be shared among many different companies that need such data.

Ronald Herazo (link) - It was good to read about another type of database other than the one I wrote about above. From reading yours, my understanding is that a relational database likes to work with data in tables. This allows for updating of data as a set rather than individually based data. The diagrams that you put in your post also help paint a better picture for me in understanding what exactly is involved in a relational database. 

Alexander Koo - B5

What is Relational Database Theory:

First defined by Edgar Codd, of IBM’s San Jose research Laboratory, in 1970, a relational database is a digital database whose organization is based on the relational model of data. [1] A relational database can be referred as a collection of data items organized as a set of formally-described tables. Data can then be accessed or reassembled in several ways without the need to reorganize the database tables.

Generally speaking, a relational database is set of tables which contains data fitted into predefined categories. The tables, also known as relation, can contain one or more data categories in columns. Each row contains a unique instance of data for the categories defines by the columns. [3] The domain of possible data values in a data columns is usually defines as well as further constraints to which the data may be exposed.

The software systems used to control and maintain relational databases are known as a relational database management system (RDBMS). [1] Data in RDBMS is stored in tales which then consist of related data entries, columns and rows. (See Figure 1)

Figure 1 ( https://www.tutorialspoint.com/sql/sql-rdbms-concepts.htm)

As seen on Figure 1, the table can be broken into smaller fields; ID, NAME, AGE, ADDRESS and SALARY. Fields are designed to maintain a particular set of information for every record on a table. Records are individual entries in the table and are often called row of data. [3] A column is the vertical entity on the table and represents off the information related to a set of information. Constraints are the rules enforced on data columns on table. These are used to limit the type of data that can go into a table. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data in the database. [3] The definition of a relational database results in a table of metadata or formal descriptions of the tables, columns, domains, and constraints. [3]

RDBMS is a basis for The Structured Query Language (SQL) which can be defined as the standard computer language for relational database management and data manipulation. [4] it can be used to query, insert, update and modify data and act as an additional benefit to database administrators, given that most relational database support SQL and the latter are often required to work across several platforms

Relational Database offer many advantages to the users. Data can be easily stored one and can be classified easily. Data manipulation can easily be performed through the use of queries and significantly less errors are made through the use of relational database. It is still evolving to this day and I believe it will soon be the norm to use them across most platforms and industries.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_database *

http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~maier/TheoryBook/TRD.html **

http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/relational-database ***

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1245/structured-query-language-sql ****

Comments:

Egla Qori – It was very interesting to learn about SQL since it is very closely related to relational database management which was my topic. In fact, relational database management is a basis to SQL. The language of SQL can be seen as daunting but is very important in this day and age. It allows data manipulation as well as data interpretation. One note would be to investigate how SQL will evolve in the near future. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-sql-egla-qori.html

Ronald Herazo – Your post was very interesting since you also explained in detail how the relational database server works across the platforms. It was well structured and the relationship between each component of a relational database was very interesting to learn about. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/assignment-b5-group-ronald-herazo.html

Prahlad Singh – The role of database in construction firms is very essential nowadays. It allows data manipulation with relatively low degree of errors. I agree with your point of view and it is interesting to learn more about how the data is processed and calculated in this industry. One note wold be to think about the future benefits that could be created through the use of database in the construction industry. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-singh-prahlad.html