El-Omari, S and Moselhi, O (2009) Data acquisition from construction sites for tracking purposes. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 16(5), pp. 490-503. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this paper is to develop a tracking and control system that automates the process of data collection from construction sites for fast and accurate measurement of work progress. Design/methodology/approach The proposed system integrates different data acquisition hardware and software technologies including barcoding, radio frequency identification (RFID), laser distance and ranging (LADAR), digital images, and a tablet PC as integrating media. Findings The paper briefly highlights the advantages and limitations associated with each technology, and presents a methodology that best utilizes these technologies in an integrated system. At the core of the developed system is its database, which is designed to organize and store data collected from construction sites in a way that supports the developed methodology in progress reporting. Practical implications The accuracy and timeliness of these reports are crucial for management teams to take corrective actions, if needed, so as to assist in delivering projects on time and within budget. Originality/value The paper presents the layout of an platform designed to facilitate automated data acquisition from construction sites to support efficient time and cost tracking and control of construction projects. The system presented is capable of capturing text, numerical and graphical data to report efficiently on the progress of a project.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barcodes; construction industry; database management systems; multimedia; tracking |
| Index terms: | platform, radio frequency identification, database, hardware, media, cost tracking, data acquisition, construction industry, integrated system, management system, accuracy, construction site, control system, methodology, construction project |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, computer hardware, design methods, digital technology, work location, management, research methods, accounting and finance, monitoring and control, production management, professional development, digital design, data management, sociology, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Site Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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