Revealing the impact of digital technology integration on prefabricated construction project performance

Despite the growing adoption of particular digital technologies (DTs), such as building information modeling and the Internet of Things, in prefabricated construction projects (PCPs), their impacts on PCPs' performance remain controversial. To reconcile the potential inconsistencies, this study constructed and validated a theoretical model based on asset orchestration theory, which examined the effects of digital technologies integration (DTI) deployment on PCPs' performance with the mediating role of supply chain coordination (SCC). A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from 310 PCPs in China. Through partial least-squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, the results revealed that while the depth of DTI deployment (intensity of DT application) significantly enhances PCP performance, the breadth of DTI deployment (diversity of DT application) shows no direct performance impact. Meanwhile, SCC mediates the relationship between DTI deployment and PCP performance: both the breadth and depth of DTI deployment improve SCC, which in turn drives better project outcomes. This study advances the literature by adopting a holistic perspective on DTI deployment when examining DTs' impact on PCP performance. Particularly, it highlights how SCC acts as a pivotal bridge and transforms DTI deployment into PCPs performance. The findings jointly extend asset orchestration theory in PCPs that digital assets must be coupled with interorganizational coordination to unlock project potential.