Mastering BuildOps
Mastering BuildOps requires a solid understanding of key terms and concepts essential for construction professionals. These terms encompass various aspects of the construction industry, from project management and technology to sustainability and quality control. By familiarizing yourself with these must-know terms, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to excel in BuildOps and effectively navigate the complexities of construction projects.
These are some of the terms you can get from a BuildOps glossary:
Table of Contents
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
A digital representation of a building or infrastructure project that encompasses its physical and functional characteristics. BIM is used for design, construction, and operation, facilitating collaboration and improving efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Prefabrication
Manufacturing or assembling building components or systems off-site, away from the construction site. Prefabricated elements are transported and installed at the site, reducing construction time, increasing quality control, and minimizing waste.
Lean Construction
A philosophy and principles aimed at optimizing project delivery by eliminating waste and maximizing value. Lean construction emphasizes continuous improvement, collaboration, and efficiency to enhance project outcomes and customer satisfaction.
Project Management Software
Software tools designed to assist construction professionals in planning, executing, and managing construction projects. These tools typically include features such as scheduling, resource management, budgeting, document control, and collaboration capabilities.
Construction Estimating
The process of calculating the anticipated costs of a construction project. Estimating involves analyzing project requirements, materials, labor, and other factors to determine the overall project cost and prepare accurate bids or budgets.
Field Service Management (FSM)
The management of field operations and resources involved in construction and service delivery. FSM software helps schedule and track field activities, manage a mobile workforce, and streamline communication between field teams and the office.
Building Codes
Local, regional, or national regulations establish minimum standards for building design, construction, and occupancy. Building codes ensure safety, accessibility, and structural integrity in construction projects and must be complied with during the planning and execution phases.
Commissioning
Verifying and documenting that a newly constructed or renovated building or system performs according to the intended design and meets specified requirements. Commissioning ensures that all systems and components are fully functional and optimized for performance.
Safety Management
The practice of implementing policies, procedures, and measures to ensure the safety of workers and stakeholders on construction sites. Safety management includes risk assessment, hazard identification, training, and implementing safety protocols and guidelines.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA)
Processes and procedures implemented to ensure that construction projects meet specified quality standards. QC involves inspecting and testing construction materials and components, while QA focuses on the overall management and documentation of quality processes.
Sustainability
The integration of environmentally-friendly practices and resource efficiency into construction projects. Sustainable construction aims to minimize the environmental impact, conserve resources, promote energy efficiency, and create healthier and more sustainable buildings.
Asset Management
The systematic and strategic management of physical assets throughout their lifecycle. In construction, asset management involves tracking, maintaining, and optimizing assets such as buildings, equipment, and infrastructure to maximize their value and lifespan.
By familiarizing yourself with these essential terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the construction industry and effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders.