Integrated design decision-making in the cladding supply chain

The cladding industry is a relatively complex and rapidly changing sector of the construction industry. The complexities and diversification of cladding techniques and materials result in that few architects have sufficient knowledge to design the cladding independently and other designers from different parties are involved, particularly cladding specialists, making the cladding design a cooperative work. However, the cladding design process is often disrupted by the lack for specific knowledge and adversarial attitudes between different participants involved in the cladding supply chain. This phenomenon leads to frequent design changes, poor quality, and overrunning cost and time in projects. This paper proposes an Integrated Design Decision-making Model (IDDM), supported by information technology and supply chain management expertise, which would be a solution to the fragmented cladding design. In this model, a 'third party' is incorporated as a 'design information and communication hub', and design information flow would therefore be integrated, facilitated and made more robust.