Microcomputers in management of construction operations

A fully implemented and active system of microcomputer support at the jobsite came into being from a long-felt need on the owner’s part to have better control over the status of shop-drawing submittals, change orders, material flow, requests for information, and the administrative status of subcontractors and suppliers. In addition, there was clearly a need for more integration of financial and accounting information with recorded job status both at the jobsite and in the home office. Some half-dozen years in development, the system described herein relies on custom-designed proprietary programs to facilitate handling of the construction unique activities and management monitoring requirements. Jobsite hardware is standard PCs with monitors and simple dot matrix printers. An operational description begins at the jobsite where project managers have a constant need to process and monitor the development of data generated by the unfolding of project activity. The ability to access the resulting information in a more timely and comprehensive manner enhances the project manager’s leverage to implement more effective control. The system is operational and used enthusiastically by all players in the process. Configurations are described with interactions and transfer functions.