Information Management for Construction

Changes brought about from advances in information technology for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries (construction IT) are not purely technical, but must be accompanied by significant changes to the management processes. This paper explores approaches to information management processes, and the role of a project information officer. The paper first presents the context for construction IT in the form of simple models representing the role of IT on construction projects. It then presents a framework for construction information management, organizing the wealth of issues around the dimensions of general management processes, breakdown of project elements, breakdown of information system elements, and information system objectives. It also discusses a breakdown of the areas of expertise required for construction IT. Finally, it suggests that from an organizational perspective, these information management practices should be consolidated around a high- level project management position dedicated to information management—the position of a project information officer.