Bridging the information gap using targeted digital transformation: Process mapping large-scale concrete activity

An information gap exists in the construction industry, where stakeholders possess information that is not effectively shared or sufficiently detailed. The information gap increases uncertainty in decision-making processes, leading to design conservatism, project delays and errors. Reducing over-design and waste in concrete practice is critical to achieving greater sustainability. Bridging the information gap, therefore, supports sustainable change and can be reinforced by digital transformation that aids information availability. Nevertheless, the complexity and current ambiguity in the information requirements of stakeholders in the supply chain pose a substantive challenge to effective implementation. To this end, this study develops a process flow model for the concrete sector constructed using a mixed method approach of a questionnaire, interviews, and an industry workshop. The information requirements and actions of all stakeholders in the system are collectively mapped for the first time. By developing process understanding, the model demonstrates that the current document-centric approach adopted by the sector contributes to the information gap. Furthermore, the developed process understanding aids in targeted digital transformation to tackle the information gap in practice.