topic 1 (prelim) Flashcards
_____ are specialized databases designed to store, manage, and
organize the vast amounts of data generated throughout the lifecycle of construction projects.
construction database
____ are integral to modern construction management, supporting everything from project planning and execution
to financial management and regulatory compliance.
construction database
4 types of construction databases
- project management database
- building information modeling (BIM) database
- material and inventory management database
- document management database
____ Purpose: To centralize project-related data such as schedules, tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
project management database
____ Use cases: Project managers use these databases to
monitor project progress, manage timelines, and ensure that tasks are completed on schedule.
project management database
4 components of project management database
- task lists
- milestones
3 resource allocation - gantt charts
_____ Detailed records of tasks, deadlines, assigned personnel, and progress.
task lists
_____ Key project phases and completion dates.
milestones
______ Tracking of labor, equipment, and material usage.
resource allocation
_____ Visualization tools for scheduling and tracking project timelines.
gantt charts
_____ Purpose: To store and manage detailed information about the physical and functional characteristics of a building.
building information modeling (BIM) database
_____ Use cases: Architects, engineers, and contractors use BIM
databases to collaborate on design, detect potential conflicts (clash detection), and simulate building performance before construction begins.
BIM database
3 components of BIM database
- 3D models
- material specifications
- lifecycle data
_____ Detailed digital representations of the building structure, including architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems.
3D models
______ Information on the materials used in construction, such as type, quantity, and performance characteristics.
material specifications
______ Information on the maintenance, repair, and operation of building components.
lifecycle data
_____ Purpose: To track the availability, usage, and ordering of
materials and supplies used in construction projects.
material and inventory management database
_____ Use cases: Procurement managers and site supervisors
use these databases to manage material orders, avoid shortages, and minimize waste.
material and inventory management database
4 components of material and inventory management database
- inventory levels
2 reorder points - supplier information
- usage logs
____ Real-time tracking of on-hand materials and supplies.
inventory levels
____ Automated alerts when inventory levels drop below a certain threshold.
reorder points
_____ Details about suppliers, including contact information, pricing, and delivery schedules.
supplier information
_____ Records of material usage on different projects, including quantities and locations.
usage logs
_____ Purpose: To store, organize, and manage access to all documents related to construction projects.
document management database
____ Use cases: Construction firms use these databases to
ensure that all project-related documents are easily accessible, up-to-date, and securely stored.
document management database
4 components of document management database
- blueprints and drawings
- compliance and regulatory documents
- cpntracts and agreements
- communication logs
_____ Storage of architectural plans, structural drawings, and other design documents.
blueprints and drawings
_____ Management of permits, inspection reports, and
compliance certifications
compliance and regulatory documents
_____ Storage of legal documents, including contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
contracts and agreements
_____ Records of emails, meeting minutes, and other communication related to the project.
communication logs
6 features of construction database
- centralization
- real-time updates
- collaboration
- data integrity and security
- scalability
- integration with other systems
_____ Construction databases centralize all project- related information in one place, making it easier for project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to access the data they need.
centralization
____ Allowing for instant access to the most current information.
real-time updates
_____ is particularly important for tracking on-site activities, material deliveries, and project progress.
real-time updates
_____ By allowing multiple users to access and work on the same data simultaneously.
collaboration
______ is essential in a construction environment where various teams (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors) need to collaborate closely.
collaboration
_____ These databases implement strong data integrity checks to ensure that the information stored is accurate and consistent.
data integrity and security
_____ also employ security measures, such as access controls and encryption, to protect sensitive data.
data integrity and security
_____ Construction databases are designed to scale with the size and complexity of projects.
scalability
_____ As the project grows, the database can handle increasing amounts of data without compromising performance.
scalability
_____ To provide a seamless flow of information across different aspects of the project.
integration with other systems
5 benefits of construction database
- improved efficiency
- enhanced decision-making
- better communication and collaboration
- cost control
- compliance and risk management
______ By centralizing data and automating data management tasks, construction databases reduce the time and effort required to manage information.
improved efficiency
_____ allows project managers and other stakeholders to focus on more strategic tasks.
improved efficiency
_____ With access to accurate and up-to-date data, construction professionals can make informed decisions that improve project outcomes.
enhanced decision-making
_____ Construction databases facilitate better communication and collaboration among project teams by ensuring that everyone has access to the same information.
better communication and collaboration
____ reduces the risk of misunderstandings and errors.
better communication and collaboration
_____ By providing detailed insights into project costs and budgets, construction databases help in identifying cost overruns early and taking corrective action.
cost control
____ leads to better cost control and improved profitability.
cost control
_____ Construction databases store all necessary compliance and regulatory documents, making it easier to ensure that the project meets all legal requirements.
compliance and risk management
_____ Additionally, by tracking safety data and incident reports, these databases help in managing risks and improving safety on-site.
compliance and risk management
4 challenges and considerations
- data integration
- data security
- user training
- scalability
_____ Integrating data from multiple sources (e.g., BIM, ERP, site sensors) into a single construction database can be challenging.
data integration
_____ requires careful planning and the use of compatible software and standards.
data integration
_____ Protecting sensitive data, such as financial information and proprietary designs, is a top priority.
data security
_____ Construction professionals need to be trained on how to use construction databases effectively.
user training
_____ includes understanding how to enter, retrieve, and analyze data, as well as how to use any associated software tools.
user training
_____ As construction projects grow in complexity, the amount of data generated increases exponentially.
scalability
_____ Construction databases must be able to scale to handle this growth without compromising performance.
scalability
An ____ is a coordinated set of components and resources that work together to collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision-making, coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.
information system
Information systems are designed to manage _____, ensuring that the right information is available to the right people at
the right time.
information flow
5 key components of an information system
- hardware
- software
- data
- people
- process
____ The physical devices and equipment used in the information system.
hardware
_____ includes computers, servers, networking equipment, storage devices, and other peripherals.
hardware
_____ The programs and applications that process data and manage operations.
software
2 categories of softwares
- system software (like operating systems)
- application software (like databases, spreadsheets, and business applications)
____ The raw facts and figures that are processed into meaningful information.
data
____ is a critical component of an information system, serving as the foundation for generating insights and supporting decision-making.
data
_____ The users who interact with the information system, including IT professionals (e.g., developers, system administrators) and end-users (e.g., managers, employees, customers).
people
_____ are essential for operating, maintaining, and using the system effectively.
people
_____ The procedures and rules that define how data is collected, processed, stored, and distributed.
process
____ ensure that the information system operates efficiently and meets the needs of the organization.
process
5 functions of an information system
- data collection
2 data processing - data storage
- information distribution
- decision support
_____ Capturing and gathering data from various sources, both internal and external to the organization.
data collection
____ Converting raw data into useful information through activities like sorting, filtering, calculating, and summarizing.
data processing
____ Storing data in a secure and organized manner so that it can be easily accessed, retrieved, and managed.
data storage
____ Delivering processed information to users in a format that supports decision-making and other organizational activities.
information distribution
____ includes reports, dashboards, and notifications.
information distribution
____ Providing tools and insights that help managers and other stakeholders make informed decisions.
decision support
____ might involve data analysis, forecasting, and simulation.
decision support
An _____ is a combination of hardware, software, data, people, and processes that work together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information.
information system
____ helps organizations manage and utilize information for
decision-making, operations, and management.
information system
A ____ is a structured collection of data stored electronically.
database
_____ allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate data efficiently.
database
5 information system functions
- data collection
- data processing
- data storage
- information dissemination
- decision support
____ Gathers data from internal and external sources.
data collection
____ Converts raw data into meaningful information.
data processing
____ Stores data for future retrieval and use.
data storage
____ Distributes processed information to the right people at the right time.
information dissemination
____ Provides tools for analyzing data and supporting decision-making.
decision support
5 database functions
- data storage
- data retrieval
- data manipulation
- data integrity
- data security
_____ Stores large amounts of data efficiently.
data storage
____ Allows for fast querying and retrieval of data.
data retrieval
____ Supports inserting, updating, and deleting records.
data manipulation
____ Ensures accuracy and consistency of data through constraints (e.g., unique keys, foreign keys).
data integrity
____ Controls access to sensitive data with permissions and roles.
data security
A ____ is a core component of an Information System.
database
The ____ uses the database to store and retrieve data that is processed into useful information.
information system
____ The database serves as the foundation for storing structured data that the Information System uses for operations and decision-
making.
data base as the foundation
______ The information system uses the database to store and retrieve data that is processed into useful information.
database as the foundation
____ The Information System interacts with the database to process raw data into information, such as generating reports, analyzing trends, or tracking inventory.
data processing
____ Information Systems rely on databases for fast data retrieval.
data storage and retrieval
_____ Most modern Information Systems, such as ERP or SCM, integrate multiple databases to manage various types of data (e.g., financial, customer, supply chain).
integration
The ____ stores information such as project schedules, budgets, and resources.
database
The ____ processes this data to generate reports, track progress, and support decision-making by project managers.
information system