Marsh, L (1998) Portable datafiles in the construction supply chain. PhD thesis, University of Reading, UK.
Abstract
Automatic identification (auto-ID) defines a group of technologies that use electronically readable labels or tags. Bar coding is one example of an auto-ID technique which has been proved effective in retailing, automotive manufacture and aerospace. In the US construction industry, these technologies have been used to provide information about a variety of items including hand-tools, components and assemblies - providing savings through improved speed and accuracy of data entry. Despite this, adoption of auto-ID among UK construction firms is almost non-existent. This thesis identifies factors which are likely to attract UK supply chain firms to use auto-ID; the barriers which have prevented some from doing so; and future developments which will be important to encourage more widespread adoption. Key issues identified include a low level of awareness of auto-ID technologies and the absence of appropriate industry standards. Strategic recommendations are presented designed to promote more widespread application of auto-ID. These include the establishment of standards body and educational initiatives. The term portable datafile describes an auto-ID technique that permits very high information storage capacities, e.g. high density bar coding and electronic tagging. A number of potential advantages of using these technologies for storing and transmitting information relating to construction materials and components are identified - including localised access to information and improved decision making. However, aside from anecdotal evidence, there have been very few applications within construction. A structural methodology is presented to aid the definition of (1) information which could be encoded within labels or tags; and (2) the stages within the supply chain where such a device would most fruitfully be employed. A case study is presented which demonstrates both the operational and financial feasibility of using these datafiles within the scenario of a live project. A framework is presented for the development of a construction industry standard for portable datafiles.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accuracy; auto-id; construction firms; decision making; standards; case study; UK |
| Index terms: | auto-id, decision-making, methodology, evidence, construction firm, accuracy, construction industry, access to information, construction material, construction supply chain, savings, density, low level, case study |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, analytical methods, building materials, digital technology, construction logistics, organization, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods, industry analysis, measurement and scaling, decision analysis, professional development, social equity, research methods |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Supply Chain Management, Ethics |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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