Frameworks of Construction Information Systems under the Changing Industry Paradigms

건설산업 환경변화에 따른 건설정보화 개념요소 고찰

The concept of construction information systems (IS) is very comprehensive and subjective. Acronyms in relation to the construction IS may include BIM, CIC, IT, nD-CAD, ERP, CALS, KM and so on. These terminologies are used in a somewhat mixed way causing possible misunderstandings in research and practice of construction information systems. Moreover, ever-changing construction business environment has widely affected the roles and methods of utilizing construction IS. Examples of these changes are dissemination of alternative project delivery systems, global standardization under highly competitive overseas market, and advancement of information and communication technologies. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to propose a high-level framework for information systems in the construction industry. Several different concepts in the area of construction IS were investigated first in order to identify the major variables of the framework. Trends of research and real-world implementations were then analyzed to support the rationale of the variables. Finally, a framework was proposed by re-arranging the relevant issues. Findings of this paper indicate that different acronyms commonly share many similar concepts in their definitions, however, in each acronym, the motivations and approaches to implementing construction IS are very different. Different approach can provide maximum effectiveness, while overlaps may happen causing practical inefficiency.