The use of information and communication technologies in construction

This paper provides an overview of recent research and industrial developments on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use for improving the efficiency of the construction process. ICT applications in construction include Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS), Web-based Project Management Systems (WPMS), Application Service Providers (ASP), E-work and E-business applications, Virtual Reality (VR) applications, mobile computing, and wireless communication. It is believed that ICT, when appropriately used, can significantly contribute to the timely, economical, and successful deployment of construction projects. Main constraints in its use are the reluctance or difficulty of the construction industry to adopt new technologies in conjunction with a difficulty in identifying clear benefits of ICT use, the limited budget for ICT investment, the need for computer-skilled staff, issues of ICT standardisation, and technological and financial constraints.