Mobile ICT support for construction process improvement

This paper brings together the visions for information and communications technologies (ICT) in construction and the changing requirements of the construction industry. Drawing on case studies, previous research and future scenarios outlined by research road mapping projects, it illustrates how the areas identified as having potential for improvement can be addressed through the use of mobile IT. This vision is then developed into a scenario for communicating to industry professionals the construction site of the future. Their feedback on this scenario is used to assess the viability of the research propositions within mainstream construction. Finally, the paper examines the implications for the construction industry should the vision for the future be adopted; the potential for new islands of automation; the effects on our human resources; and the potential impact on knowledge management initiatives. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.