Boosting the productivity of Architects, Interior, and MEP Designers- by developing & using Configuration tables
For
efficient performing of designing related activities for large construction
projects, the development and use of “Configuration tables” and “Master data
tables” along with appropriate “Fields” s in design function are very crucial.
This blog highlights aspects related to developing and using “configuration tables.”
What are Configuration tables?
The Configuration tables are primarily data
tables that store information representing multiple choices that exist
in business and are required to be chosen frequently by project teams and
building designers, such as below.
· Types of packages
(e.g., civil, interior design, MEP, and further drill down within each of these
packages)
· Types of project
organisation (Housing, Commercial, hospitality, etc.)
· Types of vendors
(e.g., consultants/contractors/service providers/business associates)
· Types of business
documents (Design brief document, sanctioned drawing, Good for construction, As-built
drawing, etc.)
· Types of
materials /BOQ items for various works (e.g., civil, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
· Types of
inspection frequency for BOQ/Constructed packages (e.g., none, % sampling,100%,
etc.)
· Types of
Inspection attributes (dimensional, metallurgical, chemical, etc. vis a vis BOQ
in various packages)
The configuration tables are usually created
by ERP consultants when designing the overall systems for the organization, usually
within
the ERP systems (like SAP) or and “Customised Designed solution” as appropriate
Activities
to develop configuration tables:
Usually,
seven activities are required to be performed to develop configuration tables as
below.
1
Identify the key “configuration Tables” names that need to be
developed based on functional requirements
2.
Assign a unique number to each identified configuration table
3.
Identify the “fields” as relevant for each configuration table
4. Assign
“field codes” as relevant.
5. Identify
various “field choices” available for each field.
6. Assign
“field choices” as relevant.
7. Design
and Populate the contents of configuration tables having
columns as proposed below
· Col
1. Key function
·
Col 2. Configuration table number
·
Col 3. Description of “Field”
·
Col 4. “Field” number/code
·
Col 5. The Field choice description
·
Col 6. Choice code (as applicable)
Active
dialoguing is needed among designers (Architects, Interior, and MEP
Designers) and the IT and systems team, Project functions, and other
interfacing functions for designing the contents of respective Configuration
table tables.
This
is because “Field choice,” though designed by a specific function,
is often used by many functions besides design functions for enhancing the
efficiency and effectiveness of functions.
Illustrations
of contents of configuration Tables
One illustration for each design
function is captured below.
The code
numberings (for configuration table, field, and field choices) mentioned in the
below illustration are simply for an easier understanding from a digitalization
perspective. They can be changed 100% at organization’s absolute discretion. Coding
schemes are usually configured by the ERP vendors/software solution providers.
More details about coding schemes are included in chapter 9 of my book.
.
Key function
Configuration
Table Number assigned.
Description of Fields in the configuration
table and
No tables with code range
Field number
Field
Choices
Abbreviation for Field Choice
Designing of Architecture of
buildings
CT211
Type of packages in Civil works
F501
Structure
A01
Civil works
A02
Façade
A03
External development
A04
Softscape
A05
and so on
AXX
Designing of Interiors of buildings
CT221
Type of packages in Interior design
works
F531
Finishing
B01
Furnishing and Fixtures
B02
Interior design equipment
B03
Artworks
B04
And so on
BXX
Designing MEP and Engineering
services
CT231
Type of packages in MEP works
F556
External electricals
C01
Internal electricals
C02
Air conditioning
C03
Plumbing
C04
Firefighting
C05
Fire protection
C06
Lifeworks
C07
Fuel supply
C08
Sewage treatment
C09
And so on
xx
Architects,
Interior designers, and MEP designers can identify and develop many more
configuration tables based on the above illustration.
The number of
configuration tables can be expanded to as required, say, @10 for each design
function depending on the size /complexity of the project or organisation. Similarly,
the number of field/field choices can be expanded out of more fields listed in
Annex 1F in the handbook.
Activities that
can adversely impact business.
Inaccurate fields and field choices configuration while developing/populating the
configuration tables.
Undiligent selection of “field choices”
by the building designer, leading to inappropriate design of Architect or
Interior or MEP.
Not updating configuration tables in
design functions promptly as and when changes occur in fields/field
choices or additions/deletions take place in the number of packages vis a
vis relevant function.
Continue using conventional design methods rather than effectively using configuration tables
(usually residing in ERP –modules) by not integrating ERP software with
“Design software.”
.
Handbook of the author
You can read more about the 21 activities(@7/function) that can
adversely impact business as summarised below from chapter 5 of the author’s handbook
ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1-
Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services. “
.jpeg)