ITcon Vol. 16, pg. 745-760, http://www.itcon.org/2011/44

A Value Map for Communication Systems in Construction

SUBMITTED:
REVISED:
PUBLISHED: November 2011
EDITOR: Turk Z.

SUMMARY:The use of ICT in construction has progressed over the last two decades. This paper summarizes the results of a survey that aimed at testing the usability of major communication tools and future mobile communication systems in the construction industry. In addition to documenting industry utility regarding the communication tools, the survey also tried to address the main issues that could hinder the use of communication systems in the industry. Three fundamental issues limit the usability of more advanced ICT tools. First, Software: the fundamental problem facing more use of ICT is not the devices themselves. Rather, it is the in-suitability of software systems. This is mainly due to the lack of interoperability between software systems and the low relevance to industry needs. Second, weak process structures: communication takes place in an ad hoc nature in many cases. The weak formalization of work processes is the main reason for this problem. For it to be coherent and relevant, communication has to be blended in a consistent stream conducive for information flow that matches the progress of work process. Finally, culture: construction personnel tend to favor oral and faceto- face communication. However, new entrants to the industry are more perceptive to ICT tools. Three valuesgenerating components are key to overcoming such barriers. First, content: making the content being communicated more meaningful to industry. Second, access: assuring ability to access such information at different contexts. Finally, usability: ease of use and interoperability.

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CITATION:

Ballan, S., El-Diraby, T. E. (2011) A Value Map for Communication Systems in Construction, ITcon Vol. 16, pg. 745-760, http://www.itcon.org/2011/44