TIME FACTORS IN REALISING IT BENEFITS IN CONSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT: Achieving benefits from the introduction of information technology in building design and construction is dependent upon three time factors: the time taken to get the systems into full operation, the time taken to reengineer business processes, and the phases of the development cycles of both IT and construction at the time of introducing the systems. This paper uses examples from the Danish, United Kingdom and United States construction industries to show changes in productivity and their cycles of activity. Examples are given of time factors affecting IT projects, and three different durations for IT projects are identified. The paper concludes with a proposal for when IT development projects should be undertaken in relation to their length and the phase of the construction development cycle.