Current and Emerging IT Tools and Applications

This chapter begins by rationalizing the need for the construction industry to embrace new technologies for information management and documentation. The perspectives are taken from within an organization and a project whereby stakeholders from different organizations are involved. The aim of better information management is to allow the adoption of collaborative working practices, which can bring about the possibility of information to be shared among staff of an organization and between project teams that exist across organizational boundaries. Next, in laying down the foundation for the current and emerging IT tools, their basic information and technical details are presented. This is followed by a review of their applications, particularly those that relate to the construction industry. The applications of Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) are reviewed and then systems for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The types of information that are exchanged between different construction project parties within a project are described, including the flow of data. The benefits of using EDMS and ERP systems for project management and supply chain management, respectively, are discussed. The main issues and problems that companies face when using such technologies are also discussed. Besides EDMS, another commonly adopted tool for collaboration is the project extranet. On applications of this tool, the main features and functions are presented, covering also the potential benefits of applying extranets to construction projects. Moving to specific areas of applications like design, construction planning and execution, resource procurement and facility management, the current tools that enable visualization, virtualization, mobility, and sensing are described. Emphasis is placed on the methods of application for each area to highlight how technology can aid in improving work processes and outcomes. The chapter concludes with a summary of the main points covered on current and emerging construction industry IT tools and applications.