Data warehousing in construction organizations

Data is the most important resource in a construction organization. But data must be available in suitable forms to be used. Timely access to useful and meaningful information can enable construction companies to gain a competitive edge, increase client satisfaction, expand market share and enhance profitability. Vast amounts of construction operational data are scattered across multiple, dispersed and fragmented departments, units or project sites. Ln this paper, the principle of data warehousing an emerging database management technique suitable for decision-making - is presented in the context of construction organizations. The basic difference between an operational database - used for transaction processing, and a data warehouse meant for analytical processing - is pointed out with appropriate examples.