INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) IN THE

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Vicky Koekemoer and John Smallwood1

Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000,

Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

The construction industry is notorious for its reluctant approach to new technologies.
IT awareness should be created and directed toward organizations within the built
environment to inform and better integrate construction project contributors. Given
that IT changes rapidly, it is in the best interest of construction organizations to
implement current IT systems and devise a management plan for future updates. In
the report Constructing the Team Sir Michael Latham reiterates the need to improve
the image of construction by adopting high-tech methods that facilitate project
communication. Furthermore, recent developments include emerging technologies
directed toward mobile computing, and e-collaborations that enable project
participants to communicate efficiently from various locations. Although the study
reported on determined that IT is rarely used at operations / site management level,
contractors are conscious of the potential impact of IT on the traditional project
parameters of cost, quality, and time. Further findings include: the increased use of
mobile phones for communication at site management level is changing the work
environment, and the use of an intranet is a viable method of project management as
project managers, designers, and contractors are all able to access ‘common’
information. Furthermore, 4D CAD has enabled the integration of design and
construction management through the ability to link models to project schedules and
programmes thus enhancing the construction planning process. Recommendations
include: research needs to be conducted relative to the implementation of IT on site;
supervision and certain categories of workers need to receive IT training; a transition
from desktops to laptop and palmtop is required; software developers need to liaise
with the construction industry and develop appropriate software; an intranet should be
used on all projects, and contractors should become familiar with 4D CAD.

Keywords: information technology, mobile computing, palmtops, site operations.

INTRODUCTION
IT systems involve the conversion, processing and communication of information.
Data captured in digital format is flexible thus, easily revised, adapted and distributed.
The combination of quantity and accessibility of information to compress space and
time makes computerized information extremely powerful (Day, 1997).
However, the construction industry has evolved technologically at a slower rate than
other industries because information components are set in a physical value chain.
Furthermore, transformation occurs due to a combination of factors such as
globalization, technology advancement, and cultural changes (Scheer, Leusin de
Amorim, Santos, Ferreira, and Caron, 2007). To date, the use of IT in construction
has been limited and mainly focused on increasing productivity and reducing costs.
However, IT continues to evolve in all sectors and the focus on reengineering the
1
[email protected]
Koekemoer, V and Smallwood, J (2007) Information Technology (IT) in the construction process. In:
Boyd, D (Ed) Procs 23rd Annual ARCOM Conference, 3-5 September 2007, Belfast, UK, Association
of Researchers in Construction Management, 503-512
Koekemoer and Smallwood

construction industry promotes a vision of a high-tech level of operations.

Furthermore, fundamental changes in the process should occur to better integrate
communication between project participants. IT is viewed as a means of solving
communication and information management challenges. Once an information
system (IS) is implemented opportunities are created for the internal process to
improve. Technology implemented at operational level impacts on the development
and use of IT at project and organization level. Consequently, the potential
implementation of IT at operations level is perceived as a means to solve these
challenges. However, this potential is not recognized by all organizations.
Construction projects are specific, unique, and many are complex with varied time
constraints and budgets. These factors contribute to the challenge of IT application
during the production phase. However, a well organized project grants access to
systems software, utilities, electronically stored information or knowledge bases, and
other IT resources such as e-mail and discussion forums.
Given the abovementioned a study was conducted among general contractors (GCs) to
determine the:
• Extent to which GCs use IT;
• Degree of IT competency;
• Type of hardware used in construction;
• Type of specialized software and intranet use, and
• The impact of design related IT on project parameters.

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The construction process and the need for IT
The production process involves the effective management of resources such as plant
and equipment, materials, transportation, personnel, finance, technology and
information. Planning and organizing activities are essential functions applied to
achieving goals. Short term planning comprizes of a detailed programme that consists
of resource and labour schedules. A site manager programmes the work daily or twice
daily, therefore programmes that are linked assist in updating schedules. Furthermore,
subcontractors and trade supervisors require updated information on a regular basis
(Kwakye, 1997).
Site supervisors control labour with the use of time sheets. Targets are set and
performance measured and recorded to enable future comparisons. Information is
used for remuneration and setting targets. Control in the form of daily planning and
site meeting attendance mitigates the outcome of unforeseen events such as
subcontractors working simultaneously in the same place.
Quality standards are achieved by implementing a quality system that includes: skilled
operatives with experience; materials to correct specification; correct storage of
materials; effective planning and programming of resources; supervision and
inspection by site management, and adequate protection of completed work (Kwakye,
1997).
Site operations include: materials delivery and storage, procurement of plant and
movement of equipment to perform activities. All activities should be coordinated for
the process to continue systematically. Task coordination is affected by a reduction in

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project duration, delays and alterations to contract programming. Activities are co-
dependant, thus a negative effect on one activity could impact others. IT systems
support the interaction between subcontractors performing different tasks.
There is a misconception that IT hardware is inappropriate on building sites due to the
physical work environment. Resource planning and management improves with the
use of appropriate IT. IT applications are designed for specific tasks according to
ARUP (2003) as cited by Magdic, Rebolj and Suman (2004):
• Data capture including applications such as time sheets and inspection forms;
• Technical drawings viewed and revised electronically;
• Project management software applications used for project administration, and
• Collaboration software that involves interactive communication systems
extended to foremen and site managers through the use of mobile phones and
handheld devices.
Decisions are made in project meetings with the design team, consultants and site
managers. However, foremen and site supervisors often have the knowledge and
experience to evaluate a situation and recommend possible solutions. Foremen and
site supervisors are able to communicate on a project using the same software, thus
compressing the information gap enabling immediate on-site decisions relative to
problems encountered, with the benefit that correspondence is automatically recorded.

Potential use of IT hardware on construction sites

Mobile computing is a key instrument in facilitating the effective use of IT in each
phase of a construction project and can be defined as a combination of three
components namely (Rebolj and Menzel, 2004):
• Computers that are accessed while the user is in motion such as palmtops;
• Wireless computers with sufficient bandwidth to be accessed while the user is
in motion, and
• Mobile applications that support the context or work process in which it is
used.
The purpose of integrating mobile computing into an existing IT structure is to reduce
the effects of distance between various participants who retain specific information
(Rebolj and Menzel, 2004). Very few organizations have implemented mobile
computing systems at operations level, thus it is visible that the general construction
industry has not recognized the potential use of such systems.
IT is useful in particular construction operations, and mobile workers are intended to
input critical information to improve information management and communication for
the success of the project. Magdic et al. (2004) report on a research project which
confirmed that information exchange between project team members and amongst site
personnel improve with the use of mobile devices. The second test monitored
improvements of document exchange on site with the implementation of a mobile
document management system, whilst a third test focused on on-site interpersonal
communication whilst problem solving. The findings emanating from the survey
conducted by Magdic et al. (2004) demonstrate that open project communication
enhances project coordination, enabling participants to become more actively
involved. The future trend is to move toward the integration of IP telephony, voice

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and multimode technology, video-mediated collaborative teamwork, and semantic

web based services for intelligent mobile construction.

Use of software and intranet to improve project communication and site

efficiency
Software is defined as the set of programs, and procedures and related documentation
associated with a computer program, compiled to perform a specific task (Retik and
Langford, 2001). Applications software programmes provide a service such as word
processing, drafting and data management, for example spreadsheets.

Specialized construction software

A range of specialized construction software is available:
• Construction Computer Software (CCS) - estimating, valuations, planning, and
cash flow forecasting;
• JD Edwards - financial management and reporting;
• AutoCAD - design;
• Primavera - project management, scheduling, programming, resource
allocation, and costing;
• Buildsmart - estimating, procurement, accounting, and payroll functions, and
• Kwikest - estimating, pricing, and valuing.

Intranet
Organizations realized the need to communicate information within the bounds of
their organization. Employees benefit from being able to perform various functions
including: access information; receive internal e-mails, and read company policies and
newsletters. Intranets that allow selected external access are commonly referred to as
extranets. At project level the use of an internet-based network facilitates sharing and
exchange of project related information between project participants.

Influence of 3D modelling and 4D CAD on construction projects

The effect of technology on site operations commences at the inception of design.
The amount of information increases as operations progress, due to a greater need to
coordinate design and the actual construction thereof (Day, 1997).
Designers produce drawings and 3D models by combining relevant information with
the initial design to create a realistic perspective. CAD is an important aid to
productivity, however few contractors make use of the software applications (Retik
and Langford, 2001)

3D Modelling
Modelling highlights the ways in which elements relate to one another. Models are a
communication aid that facilitate coordination among trades and integrate
architectural components, building services, cladding and other building components
(Dawood, Scott, Sriprasert, and Mallasi, 2005). Although more time is taken to create
a detailed model, lengthening the design phase, the construction time is reduced.
Predetermined parameters assist designers with the selection of suitable materials for a
specific component. Furthermore, the design can be communicated easily to the
contractors and any adjustments to the model made with ease (Finch, 2000).

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Standardization positively influences buildability, productivity, time, and cost. It is

possible to relate non-graphical information to elements and components of design
drawings with the use of 3D modelling (Day, 97).

4D CAD
4D modelling has evolved from the integration of 3D modelling with the scheduling
of construction activities. Models provide project participants with a visual
perspective to predetermine possible problems such as sequential spatial process
conflicts and temporal aspects of construction schedules (Dawood et al., 2005).
Product data is obtained from specialized design software in either 2D or 3D format
and process data is retrieved from programming software. Components are tabulated
in a database and linked to relative product information. 4D models make use of start
and end dates allocated to activities and those observed to run concurrently and
clashes would be highlighted.

RESEARCH
Methodology and sample stratum
General contractors (GCs) were selected from the KwaZulu-Natal Master Builders
Association (KZN MBA) membership list using a random sampling selection process.
The random sample stratum consisted of 35 GCs extracted from an original sample
population of 161. 2 GCs were identified as no longer operating, a single response
from a small sized GC was excluded, and 17 responses were included in the analysis
of the data, which equates to a net response rate of 52%. The data was captured and
analysed using MS Excel.

Findings
Table 1 indicates the frequency of IT use relative to the three levels of management.
Given that the mean scores are all above the midpoint value of 3.00, in general the
three levels of management can be deemed to use IT. However, the respective mean
score ranges provide a more detailed insight. A mean score: > 4.20 ≤ 5.00 indicates
that the use can be deemed to be between often to always / always (middle
management); > 3.40 ≤ 4.20, between sometimes to often / often (top management),
and > 2.60 ≤ 3.40, between rarely to sometimes / sometimes (operational
management).
Table 1: Frequency of IT use relative to the three levels of management.
Response (%)
Sometimes

Level MS Rank
Unsure

Always
Rarely
Never

Often

Middle management 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 41.2 47.1 4.35 1

Top management 11.8 0.0 0.0 17.6 35.3 35.3 4.20 2
Operational / Site management 0.0 0.0 23.5 29.4 35.3 11.8 3.35 3

Relative to operational / site management it is notable that in general only two

functions can be deemed to use IT - site quantity surveyor, and site manager (Table 2).
However, the mean score relative to Site Clerk of Works is on the cut point of 3.00. A
mean score: > 4.20 ≤ 5.00 indicates that the use can be deemed to be between often to
always / always (Site Quantity Surveyor); > 3.40 ≤ 4.20, between sometimes to often /

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often (Site Manager); > 2.60 ≤ 3.40, between rarely to sometimes / sometimes (Site
Clerk of Works), and > 1.00 ≤ 1.80, never to rarely (GC Foreman, GC SC Supervisor,
Store person, and Plant Operator).
Table 2: Frequency of IT use at operational management level.
Response (%)

Sometimes
Occupation MS Rank
Unsure

Always
Rarely
Never

Often
Site Quantity Surveyor 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 35.3 52.9 4.41 1
Site Manager 0.0 0.0 0.0 23.5 52.9 23.5 4.00 2
Site Clerk of Works 6.3 18.8 31.3 6.3 18.8 25.0 3.00 3
GC Foreman 0.0 41.2 41.2 17.6 0.0 0.0 1.76 4
GC SC Supervisor 0.0 58.8 17.6 11.8 0.0 5.9 1.69 5
Store person 0.0 64.7 17.6 17.6 0.0 0.0 1.53 6
Plant Operator 0.0 70.6 17.6 5.9 0.0 0.0 1.31 7

Table 3 indicates that desktops followed by laptops are the hardware devices most
commonly used on construction sites – between on average to a near major / near
major extent. The mean score relative to palmtops indicates that they can be deemed
to be used between a minor to near minor extent. However, mobile phones, which are
not hardware per se, predominate, and can be deemed to be used between a near major
to major / major extent, which suggests they are a popular means of promoting
information communication.
Table 3: Extent to which hardware devices are used on site.
Response (%)
Hardware Minor Major MS Rank
Unsure
1 2 3 4 5
Mobile phone 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.6 82.4 4.82 1
Desktop 0.0 11.8 5.9 5.9 41.2 35.3 3.82 2
Laptop 0.0 5.9 11.8 11.8 47.1 23.5 3.71 3
Palmtop 0.0 58.8 23.5 11.8 5.9 0.0 1.65 4

A follow up question investigated the percentage of supervisors that are dependant on

mobile phones for resource and task management. The lowest percentage was 40%,
the highest 100%, and the mean 83%. Furthermore, 29.4% of respondents surmise
that 100% of their supervisors are dependant on mobile phones for resource and task
management.
Table 4: Extent to which Supervisors require sources of information whilst working on site.
Response (%)
Mean
Information source Never Constantly Rank
Unsure score
1 2 3 4 5
Construction drawings 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 94.1 4.94 1
Project programme 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 11.8 76.5 4.65 2
Correspondence 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 29.4 64.7 4.59 3
Checklists 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 47.1 41.2 4.29 4
Schedules 0.0 0.0 5.9 5.9 52.9 35.3 4.18 5

Table 4 indicates the extent to which Supervisors require various sources of

information whilst working on site. It is significant that 80% of the information
sources have mean scores > 4.20 ≤ 5.00. Therefore, construction drawings, project
programme, correspondence, and checklists, can be deemed to be required between
often to constantly / constantly. However, schedules has a mean score of 4.18,

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marginally below the cut point of 4.20, and thus can be deemed to be required
between sometimes to often / often.
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook predominate in terms of the
software applications used at site management level (Table 5). Given that the mean
scores of Excel and Word are > 4.20 ≤ 5.00, they can be deemed to be used between
often to always / always. Excel is used primarily as a spreadsheet programme for
information documentation, and financial applications. Word is mainly used to
compose documentation and correspondence, as well as agenda and minutes for site
meetings. Mean scores: > 3.40 ≤ 4.20 indicate that Outlook and Project can be
deemed to be used between sometimes to often / often, and > 1.80 ≤ 2.60 that
PowerPoint is used between never to rarely / rarely. Outlook, being an e-mail
application is used primarily to communicate, inter alia, to confirm oral
communications and transmit documents. Project, a programming application is
likely to be used less frequently than a word processing application, and the infrequent
use of PowerPoint is likely to be attributable to site management not making frequent
presentations.
Table 5: Frequency at which Microsoft office applications are used at site management level.
Response (%)

Software Mean
Sometimes Rank
programmes Unsure score

Always
Rarely
Never

Excel 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 Often

41.2 52.9 4.47 1
Word 0.0 0.0 0.0 17.6 35.3 47.1 4.29 2
Outlook 5.9 0.0 0.0 29.4 23.5 41.2 4.13 3
Project 5.9 11.8 5.9 23.5 23.5 29.4 3.56 4
PowerPoint 5.9 11.8 41.2 29.4 5.9 5.9 2.50 5

88.2% of the respondents indicated that their organization makes use of specialized
construction software. CCS, a programming package, predominates as it is used by
70.6% of these respondents. 11.8% and less of these respondents make use of other
specialized packages.
All the respondents indicated that they use IT to perform work activities. Based upon
percentage responses to a frequency range of ‘never’ to ‘always’, the mean score of
4.47 indicates that the frequency of use can be deemed to be between often to always /
always.
23.5% of respondents indicated that an improvement in IT or an increased use of IT
would have a major effect on their individual task performance. The mean score of
3.47 indicates that the potential effect can be deemed to be between an effect to near
major / near major effect.
23.5% of respondents regarded their computer literacy as extensive, and 0% as
limited. The mean score of 3.76 indicates that the degree of computer literacy can be
deemed to be between average to near extensive / near extensive. 23.5% of
respondents believe the presentation of IT training to site managers and site
supervisors is important, 41.2% more than important, and 29.4% very important. The
mean score of 3.94 indicates that the importance can be deemed to be between
important to more than important / more than important.

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Site Quantity Surveyor predominates among functions in terms of the importance of

IT competency, the mean score of 4.53 indicating that IT competency can be deemed
to be more than important to very / very important (Table 6). Mean scores: > 3.40 ≤
4.20 indicate that the competency can be deemed to be between important to more
than important / more than important – Site Manager; > 2.60 ≤ 3.40 between less than
important to important / important – Site Clerk of Works; > 1.80 ≤ 2.60 not important
to less than important / less than important – GC Foreman, GC SC Supervisor, and
Store person, and > 1.00 ≤ 1.80 – Plant operator.
Table 6: Importance of IT competency relative to various functions.
Response (%)
Mean
Function Not important Very important Rank
Unsure score
1 2 3 4 5
Site Quantity Surveyor 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 23.5 64.7 4.53 1
Site Manager 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 58.8 29.4 4.18 2
Site Clerk of Works 0.0 0.0 29.4 41.2 17.6 11.8 3.12 3
GC Foreman 0.0 11.8 47.1 35.3 5.9 0.0 2.35 4
GC SC Supervisor 0.0 29.4 35.3 23.5 5.9 5.9 2.24 5
Store person 0.0 31.3 31.3 37.5 0.0 0.0 2.06 6
Plant operator 0.0 76.5 23.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.24 7

Table 7 indicates the importance of access to information sources and IT functions via
an intranet. Given that the mean scores of all the sources and functions are greater
than the mid-point value of 3.00, in general access can be deemed to be important.
Table 7: Importance of access to information sources and IT functions via an intranet.
Response (%)
Information sources / Mean
Not important Very important Rank
IT functions Unsure score
1 2 3 4 5
E-mail 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.3 43.8 50.0 4.44 1
Project programme 0.0 0.0 6.3 12.5 31.3 50.0 4.25 2
Minutes of site
0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5 56.3 31.3 4.19 3
meetings
Schedules (resource) 0.0 6.3 12.5 31.3 31.3 18.8 3.44 4
Site diary 0.0 0.0 25.0 37.5 18.8 18.8 3.31 5
Digital graphics 0.0 12.5 12.5 43.8 6.3 25.0 3.19 6
Construction drawings 0.0 18.8 12.5 25.0 25.0 18.8 3.13 7
Forum 13.3 0.0 33.3 26.7 13.3 13.3 3.08 8

However, mean scores: > 4.20 ≤ 5.00 indicate that the access can be deemed to be
between more than important to very important / very important – e-mail and project
programme; > 3.40 ≤ 4.20 between important to more than important / more than
important – minutes of meetings and schedules (resource), and > 2.60 ≤ 3.40 between
less than important to important / important – site diary, digital graphics, construction
drawings, and forum.
Table 8 indicates the impact the use of 3D CAD at design stage would have on five
project parameters. Project time, cost, and quality predominate, and given that their
mean scores are > 2.60 ≤ 3.40, the impact can be deemed to be between a near minor
impact to impact / impact. The mean scores of the environment and project health and
safety are > 1.80 ≤ 2.60, and thus the impact can be deemed to be between minor to
near minor / near minor. The high percentages relative to the ‘unsure’ responses is
probably attributable to contractors not being aware of the influence of the use of 3D
CAD at the design stage on the construction process.

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Table 8: Impact of 3D CAD at design stage on project parameters.

Response (%)
Mean
Parameter Minor Major Rank
Unsure score
1 2 3 4 5
Project time 23.5 11.8 5.9 29.4 23.5 5.9 3.08 1=
Project cost 29.4 5.9 11.8 23.5 29.4 0.0 3.08 1=
Project quality 17.6 11.8 5.9 41.2 17.6 5.9 3.00 3
Environment 35.3 11.8 11.8 35.3 5.9 0.0 2.55 4
Project H&S 35.3 23.5 11.8 17.6 5.9 5.9 2.36 5

Table 9 indicates the impact the use of 4D CAD at design stage would have on five
project parameters. As in the case of 3D CAD, project time, cost, and quality
predominate. Furthermore, given that their mean scores are > 2.60 ≤ 3.40, the impact
can be deemed to be between a near minor impact to impact / impact. The mean
scores of the environment and project health and safety are > 1.80 ≤ 2.60, and thus the
impact can be deemed to be between minor to near minor / near minor. As in the case
of 3D CAD, there are high percentages relative to the ‘unsure’ responses.
Table 9: Potential impact of 4D CAD at design stage on project parameters.
Response (%)
Mean
Parameter Minor Major Rank
Unsure score
1 2 3 4 5
Project time 41.2 5.9 0.0 29.4 17.6 5.9 3.30 1
Project quality 47.1 0.0 5.9 29.4 17.6 0.0 3.22 2
Project cost 47.1 11.8 5.9 11.8 23.5 0.0 2.89 3
Environment 52.9 11.8 5.9 23.5 5.9 0.0 2.50 4
Project health and
47.1 17.6 17.6 5.9 11.8 0.0 2.22 5
safety

CONCLUSIONS
The extent to which GCs use IT
IT is used in various processes within construction and GCs place great importance on
improving the extent to which IT is used in each process. It is used at all levels of
management; however, to a lesser extent at operational level. Site quantity surveyors
and site managers are the predominant users of IT. General foremen and subcontract
supervisors rarely use IT, which is likely to be attributable to a lack of IT competency.

IT competency
The importance of access to information sources and IT functions via an intranet,
construction drawings included, indicates the need for IT competency at most levels
of site management.

The type of hardware used in construction.

Site supervisors require hardware to control resources on a daily basis. Currently GCs
make use of desktops and laptops at site management level. Mobile devices are used
to store information that supervisors continuously require on site. A large percentage
of site managers and site supervisors depend on mobile phones for resource and task
management.

Specific software and intranet use

Microsoft Office software applications are frequently used by GCs. However, GCs
make use of construction specific software. IT has enhanced communication in terms
of project specific intranets connecting the project manager, design team, consulting

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engineers, GCs, SCs, and suppliers. E-mail is used as an efficient method of

communication.

The impact of design IT on project parameters

The implications of design on construction are highlighted through the use of 3D and
4D CAD. Whilst the literature reiterates the impact the use of 3D and 4D CAD has on
the project parameters of cost, environment, H&S, quality, and time, it can be
concluded that GCs are not aware thereof.

REFERENCES
Dawood, N, Scott, D, Sriprasert, E and Mallasi, Z (2005) The Virtual Construction Site
(VIRCON) Tools: An Industrial Revolution. ITcon, 10, 43-54.
Day, A (1997) Digital Building. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Finch, E (2000) NET GAIN in Construction. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Kwakye, A (1997) Construction Project Administration in Practice. Essex: Pearson.
Magdic, A, Rebolj, D and Suman, N (2004) Effective control of unanticipated on-site events:
A pragmatic, human-oriented problem solving approach. ITcon, 9, 409-407. .
Rebolj, D and Menzel, K. Ed. (2004) Mobile computing in construction. ITcon, 9, 281-284. .
Retik, A and Langford, D (2001) Computer integrated planning and design for construction.
London: Thomas Telford.
Scheer, S, Leusin de Amorim, SR, Santos, ET, Ferreira, RC and Caron, AM (2007) The
Scenario and Trends in the Brazilian IT Construction Applications’ Experience.
ITcon, 12, 193-206.

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