Brandín, R and Abrishami, S (2021) Information traceability platforms for asset data lifecycle: Blockchain-based technologies. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(3), pp. 364-386. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
The emergence of new digital technologies in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a turning point that could change the fate of the traditional ways of designing, build and manage asset data. Disruptive technologies such as Blockchain and theInternet of things (IoT) are one of the main pillars that are driving this revolution. The integration of decentralised networks and automated workflows has the potential to become a pivotal factor in construction projects, especially in supply chain ecosystems within the off-site manufacturing field. Obstacles related to fragmented information, interoperability, transparency and “big data” management are the main drivers for change that the industry needs to address. Whilst organisations and users can automate workflows and processes by utilising IoT technology to transfer data without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, the interaction, storage and management of the data generated are not safe or reliable. The approach outlined in this paper addresses the challenges that IoT and centralised networks present. Blockchain, a peer-to-peer distributed database, offers the possibility to support and maintain the asset information without interruptions in all the stages of the life cycle. The synergy between these technologies, along with other techniques, methods and platforms (such as building information modeling (BIM)), based on a single environment, will support information traceability from the strategic definition to end of life The framework of this study presents an excellent opportunity to apply new workflows and processes with the application of new technologies and protocols. It benefits from a well-established platform such as BIM to enable the coordination and management of digital assets as well as giving illustration and collaboration to the supply chain members. IoT and Blockchain are the other layers that work together with the third layer (BIM). This framework proposed the use of these platforms to ensure the information traceability of physical and digital assets, data automation and information management, in a dynamic supply chain ecosystem, bringing efficiency and transparency to stakeholders and users. This study provides an exploratory framework to be used by the supply chain members in offsite manufacturing, and the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in general, to track asset information throughout their entire life cycle securely and transparently. This paper contributes to the knowledge of IoT, Blockchain technology and BIM use in offsite manufacturing under the AEC industry. It provides a basis for future research by professionals, experts and academics regarding these technologies and their workflows.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; smart contracts; internet of things; offsite manufacturing; building information modelling; social networks; data mining; artificial intelligence; cryptography; life cycle analysis; prefabricated buildings; supply chains |
| Index terms: | synergy, interoperability, artificial intelligence, coordination, blockchain, transparency, smart contract, internet, interaction, automation, prefabricated building, fourth industrial revolution, lifecycle, database, life cycle, new technology, platform, efficiency, building information modelling, data mining, emergence, digital technology, workflow, cryptography, integration, construction project, collaboration, end of life, life cycle analysis, big data, social network, traceability, off-site manufacturing |
| Subjects: | strategic project management, project delivery, supplier oversight, data science, innovation and technology management, technology adoption, artificial intelligence, digital technology, computing systems, value management, environmental impact, data security, behavioral psychology, information systems, systems and processes, systems engineering, building construction, sociology, organizational analysis, partnership management, data management, professional development, digital design, production management, automation and robotics, performance management, management, manufacturing engineering |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Stakeholder Management, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here