Operation

In its broadest sense, the word ‘operation’ refers to the use of a system or organised activities.

In relation to the construction industry, it may refer to:

• The operation of specific parts of a building or other built asset (such as a bridge or tunnel), such as the lighting system, HVAC and so on. The person operating these systems may be described as an operator or operative.
• The operational phase of an entire building, complex of buildings or other built asset. This may be referred to as facilities management.
• Operation and maintenance manuals.
• Operation, maintenance and training (OMT) contracts.
• Construction operations.
• The operation of machinery, plant, equipment, tools and so on. The person operating these items may be described as an operator or operative.
• A business or company.

Something may be described as 'operational', or 'operating' when it is functioning, or when it is functioning correctly.

Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, defines operate as: ‘Carrying out work (i.e. performing an operation) on some aspect of the project, and having overall responsibility for its output.’

It suggests that ‘execute’ and ‘do the work’ are synonyms for ‘operate’.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Construction operations.
• Facilities management.
• Operation and maintenance manuals.
• Operation, maintenance and training (OMT).
• Operational carbon.
• Operational costs.
• Operational expenditure.
• Operational phase.

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