Monitoring construction projects using information technologies

A project manager requires timely and accurate information that makes him aware of any potential or real problems. However, measuring progress in terms of cost and time, especially in the construction industry, is considered the most challenging problem. One of the most challenging reasons is that construction activity durations typically vary depending on the task and progress is usually measured monthly due to the time consuming and expensive process of collecting data on current progress. It is also important to note that action needs to be taken in real-time post a deviation in order to be effective and to avoid any impact on the time and cost of the project. Geographically diverse stakeholders also require a way to monitor project progress in a timely and accurate manner so as to make timely decisions. Information technology can help eliminate these communication problems by automating progress measurement and disseminating information thereby enabling timely decision making. However, research shows that the construction industry lags behind in their adoption of information systems as a result of unsupportive construction environment. With changing times, the construction industry is also changing but an effective automatic progress measuring system is yet to be realized. This study is undertaken to investigate how information technology can be more utilized to give a more correct answer on what percentage complete a project is and more importantly to be able to track the progress of a project at any moment and by those authorized to do so, helping save rework costs, facilitating communication and enabling timely decision.