Construction Field Computing - Usage of Information Appliances in Construction

Usage of Information Appliances in Construction

Superintendents are often moving about the construction site or between various sites. Their responsibilities cover a wide variety of tasks such as:

• Comparing planned to constructed conditions.
• Carrying out in-field quality inspections ( punch lists or snagging as it is called in the UK)
• Capturing data about such defects and communicating it to the relevant sub-contractors.
• Coordinating and scheduling events and material delivery.
• Monitoring jobsite conditions and correcting safety deficiencies, improving efficiency, and ensuring quality.
• Recording and documenting work progress, labor, inspections, compliance to specifications, etc.
• Communicating direction to specialty contractors, laborers, suppliers, etc.
• Clarifying plans and specifications, resolving differing conditions, adapting methods and materials to site-specific requirements.

These tasks require that information is readily accessible and easily communicated to others and the company database. Since construction sites are unique, the device and system must be adaptable and flexible. Durability, predictability, and perceived value by the field management will determine the system's acceptance and thus proper use. Construction personnel are not well known for adapting to new technologies, but they do embrace methods that are proven to lighten work load and increase income.

Construction industry field personnel were quick to adopt new technologies such as the FAX machine and mobile phone, they have been slower to embrace the PC, tablet PC, PDA, and other devices. Disruptive technology is usually difficult in construction field use for several reasons:

• Field managers have often risen 'through the ranks' and learned from their predecessors how to run a construction site.
• They commonly do not have exposure to higher education and the new methods and technologies being developed.
• Field work is demanding and varied such that suitable and durable technologies are difficult to build. Failure of the device or system means schedule slip and increase costs so that using the new technology can be untenable.
• Laborers generally are not highly educated and willing to invest time in change.
• Construction is very schedule driven and time for training or learning new methods is rare. The learning curve is perceived to be too steep to justify implementing new technologies or methods not mandated by governing authorities or required by the contract documents.

Overcoming these issues is imperative for most construction firms. The augmentation and automation of managerial practices is required to make the construction process more efficient. The information appliance makes it possible field supervisors to access needed information, communicate requirements to others, and document the process effectively.