Implementing cloud-based application to improve construction project workflow

Abstract

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of manpower in Singapore’s construction industry, it has led to low productivity levels in building projects. The industry has been actively implementing new technology to improve productivity and reduce the need for manual labor. As such, examples like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) have been highly encouraged in the industry. In recent years, there has been a shift of building plans submissions to be made compulsory using BIM. However, after the design stages, it has been noted that BIM is hardly used during the construction phase, making it underutilized. It has been observed that the industry is still reliant on older methods for their workflow processes. Some of the reasons would be out of convenience, steep learning curve in the usage of new software and due to the integration of current software to be not as efficient and effective between stakeholders. Therefore, this research paper would be analyzing current construction workflow processes through literature review and survey feedbacks from the industry members. Thereafter, a cloud-based application which primarily focuses on ‘project creation’, ‘project bidding’ and ‘in-application communication’ will be proposed as the solution to improve current workflow practices.