Information management systems on construction projects: case reviews

Purpose - This paper aims to present the findings from research that sought to evaluate the construction industry's approach to information management at the project level and to review the operation of an information management systems (IMS) on selected projects. Design/methodology/approach - Data from three IMS used on three separate construction projects were extracted over a four-year period as the life of the construction stage of each project came to an end. Three distinct databases of the IMS were analysed and document statistics were extracted to demonstrate the level of activity within the construction project, and between members of the construction team, using a simple counting technique for each document type. Findings - The paper finds that major construction projects generate, process and store considerable quantities of real-time information prior to, during, and post on-site construction. The construction activities are shrouded in information and management of the construction project requires appropriate systems which facilitate bi-directional data input, information processing, dissemination and functional access. Historically, the onus of storing, disseminating and managing project information has fallen to each of the individual project team members of the many organisations involved within the project. Hardware advances, coupled with improved electronic and paper-based IMS facilitate synergistic standardised filing and information control, which reduces the reliance on each individual or organisation to undertake the task of storing and controlling information. An IMS also has the capability to engage with performance management and reporting systems which aid not only management of the project, but also management of the organisation. Practical implications - Case reviews show that in today's complex construction environment the use of an appropriate IMS has the potential to bring about team syntegrity and engender increased collaboration and integration among project members. The findings from completed projects exemplify a number of benefits to be accrued from adoption of an IMS and the resultant change in operating culture. Crucially, however, the pitfalls of such IMS systems are also identified. Originality/value - The findings provide new knowledge about the management of information from construction projects.