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Construction Management software & Tools

Article  in  International Journal of Construction Management · November 2015

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 ASSIGNMENT 1

SUBMITTED TO : Mr Reza Hosseini

SUBMITTED BY : Vipin Kumar
STUDENT ID : 215005653

SUBJECT : SRM-751 Integrated Project

Information management

1
INTRODUCTION 03
DOCUMENTING TACIT KNOWLEDGE 03
FACTOR INFLUENCING TACIT KNOWLEDGE 04
TRANSFER OF TACIT KNOWLEDGE 06
TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 07
 ACONEX 07
 INSITE 07
 PROCORE 08
SUGGESTIBE TOOL FOR AN ORGANISATION 08
VIRTUAL DESIGN IN CONSTRUCTION 09
 DIFFERENT TOOLS IN VDC 10
 DIFFERENT STAGES IN VDC 10
 VDC CONTRIBUTION INPROJECT 11
PROJECT MANAGED BY CONVENTIONAL TOOLS 12
PROJECT MANAGED USING VDC 12
PROJECT USING BIM 13
 LEVEL OF OPERATION IN BIM 14
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING(ERP) 17
DIFFERENT ERP TOOLS IN CONSTRUCTION
 IFS APPLICATION 18
 SYSPRO ERP 18
 MASTERTOOLS 19
CONCLUSION 20
REFERENCES 21

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INTRODUCTION
This is a report for an organisation which deals in so many large construction
works like commercial, industrial, dam, etc. which act as client for number of
large scale projects. Managing projects information and knowledge is a tedious
task, for this a good managerial tool and tacit knowledge within the organisation
is a key thing to look after. In this report we will try to highlight how different
managerial tool and technology can help the organisation to manage different
projects and how introduction of virtual design and construction (VDC) and BIM
can be effectively beneficial for the organisation.

DOCUMENTING TACIT KNOWLEDGE

With the tediousness increment in construction business and consequent use of
modern management concepts and new technologies based organisation are
generally focusing on explicit knowledge than tacit knowledge. However, it is the
tacit knowledge that determines the competitiveness, success and future of the
organisation in the turbulent market condition and customers ever increasing
demand. This report will highlight the importance of tacit knowledge sharing in
construction industry and some critical factors that influence documenting the
tacit knowledge in construction and some suggestions. One more thing about the
tacit knowledge is that its capabilities over traditional information technology(IT)
now a days most of the firms have similar information technology (IT) ,but what
makes the significant change is availability of deeper tacit knowledge within a
company because tacit knowledge cannot be formulated in instruction manual
and data bases of a company, which can also be not transmitted via mails,
internet or intranet, and which unable be encapsulated numerically or
alphabetically, it is probably the knowledge base which exist inside of a firm from
its experience and knowledge. This knowledge is responsible for sustainable
competitive advantage of one company over another. Information or knowledge
have always passed to future generation by telling stories, work experience of
the past. Experienced people teach their tacit knowledge to less experienced
people by showing them ropes to get out of dig. Now, as in the past people use”
face to face” interaction and “hands on” method to convey their accumulated
“know how” Or tacit knowledge to others. The information era and knowledge
revolution has caused a problem for people and organisations, now more skilled
who can do more work in less time are preferred. Workers who lack in adequate
education, training or explicit knowledge struggle to keep up. They rely on their
tacit knowledge, to get through the day. Some companies believe that ability to
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acquire and manage tacit knowledge are keys to managerial success. The prime
tacit knowledge is not so useful if the organisation don’t use their prime resource
like people who are willing to use their creative knowledge. Therefore, it can be
easily said tacit knowledge plays a key role in leveraging the overall quality of
knowledge. Because of such importance managing it becomes prioritise,
depending upon the organisation preference, structure, size, business behaviour,
there are so many different tools available in market which a company can use
and make it utilize in managing their tacit knowledge of construction practices.

FACTORS INFUENCING TACIT KNOWLEDGE IN CONSTRUCTION

The key challenge is how to transfer of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge so
that it should be in a format that a construction firm can be able to absorb. The
parameter that influence the tacit knowledge in construction can be identified
and relevant measures can also be established and further refine the practice of
tacit knowledge and sharing within the construction firm. For instance, teamwork
is one the parameter that influence the tacit dimensions like different type of
teamwork provide variety of tacit knowledge sharing therefore organisation can
assess themselves where they are and can adopt particular strategy to effectively
share tacit knowledge. The tacit knowledge thus mainly sharing of experience of
knowledge through the process of socialisation such that it can be passed to the
other member or individual of a firm sometime from one organisation to another
organisation through the development of culture and share mental model and
from organisation back to the individual. It can also be gained by interactive
learning in the organisation. Thus organisation and individual both parameter
influence tacit knowledge but organisational behaviour and cannot be dissociates
from individual behaviour.

ORGANISATIONAL
WORK PRACTICE EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOUR
CULTURE

FIGURE 1 (FACTORS INFLUENCING TACIT KNOWLEDGE)

A study of knowledge management project revealed that a culture and

knowledge support is highly correlated with the success of a project.
Organisations where sharing of knowledge is discouraged either by official policy
of company or by any other mean, these organisation often find difficulties in

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attaining desired operational efficiencies. Evolution of knowledge from one
generational knowledge background to another helps in provide long term
support for more effective use.

TRANSFER OF TACIT KNOWLEDGE

There are so many different way of sharing tacit knowledge which helps in
achieving predetermine goals of an organisation. Therefore, Transfer and
documenting of tacit knowledge is very necessary this can be done by some
critical practices given below:-

TRUST
Employer behaviour is a complex issue that can be influenced by so many factors.
Trust is one amongst them which give them motivation, risk reduction and
confidence to share their knowledge. Once trust is established then knowledge
sharing is just a part of the organisational structure.

LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP

Most of the construction works on the principle of long term relationships which
further open them sharing of tacit information between one another.

PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem in construction is often unparalleled and they must be solved
immediately before becoming dispute. Problem solving allows them to share
their tacit knowledge related to problem

HONEST COMMUNICATION
Individual in a firm has to be open in sharing information that reflects the real
scenario of the business. It helps in promoting positive feedback between them.

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CREATIVITY
Creativity is one of the emancipate thing a person has, for effective practice of
the tacit knowledge because it mainly focuses on nature of thought an individual
pertain which generate solutions to the problems. Creativity can vary from group
existence to an individual intellectual property and it can change over time.
Cluster of creativity in an organisation decide its fate in future.

TIME
In an organisation where creativity and knowledge sharing is encouraged, the
employee should have enough time to think creative and implement the same.
Therefore some percent of time is available to the employee to think creative ou
of his work.

QUICK DECISION MAKING

Fast decision in task is the key of a good organisational structure that can only be
achieve with tacit knowledge of work which further inhibits the decision making
and increase individual creativity.

TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

There are certain tools developed for management and transfer of tacit
knowledge within or outside an organisation because sometimes due enormous
size of a firm especially in construction industries where firms have branches
throughout the world transfer of knowledge is a challenge. This can be
accomplished by using different project information management tools. These
tools allows easy access to the data and sources available within an organisation,
these tools helps in sharing information because “one to one” interaction is not
possible every time. PIM tools authenticated also which ensures the amount of
data an individual can access according to his requirement, so it also provide
control of rights. Different PIM tools are INCITE, ACONEX, PROJECT CENTRE,
PROCORE, these tools basically helps merchants to centralize and harmonize all
the technical and marketing information of the organisation. Here is brief about
these different PIM systems

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ACONEX
Aconex was developed in year 2000, whose headquarter is situated in
Melbourne, Australia. Aconex provides project management solution for the
construction company business of all sizes from small to large. It offers
estimation, project management capabilities, scheduling, cost management,
document management, contract management etc. these are some feature
ACONEX provides. This software is totally web based and very much suitable for
all projects less than $100 million. There are some projects done with using
ACONEX some of the examples like Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi, reconstruction
of New York city hall, etc.
It also feature 2D 3D take off, simple take off and conceptual estimation.
Integration of ACONEX with Microsoft EXCEL for data import and export is a also
a key feature. ACONEX supports major of platforms like android, windows and
IOS.
ACONEX provide cloud collaboration platform to different construction
organisation worldwide with more than 60,000 users and AUD $1 trillion
approximately project value in more than 70 countries.
Limitation
Unlike its competitor ACONEX cannot provide any service management and
accounting module. It also don’t provide any feature like bid comparison and cost
database.

PROCORE
PROCORE is a construction management software which provides complete
project management, document management, drawing management. PROCORE
act as deployment mean user don’t have to worry about its maintenance. User
can get any data related to project. This software is without any hidden cost. It
was established in year 2003 by a California based company called Santa Barbara.
This software is perfect for a mid-sized company but its range go beyond to large
size company also. PROCORE has successfully served over 450 clients.

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It comes with lots of features like bid comparison, project management,
document management, estimating, issue tracking, scheduling, accounting
management, mobile access, RFIs submittals etc.
It is also available in different language like Chinese, English, Russian, French etc.
which straightway give it a advantage over other competitor like ACONEX. Key
features of PROCORE are availability on different operating system including
mobiles like android, windows, IOS it offers drawing management, customer
support, live chat, email, appointment, for phone support.
Limitation
Customize report feature offer very limited ability which is certainly problem for
many users. It doesn’t offer much warranty or services like other competitor. It is
mostly cloud base software.

INCITE
INCITE keystone platform is a powerful project collaboration software which is
used for storage and distribution of project information across multiple parties
within controlled and secure environment. Which ensures fast and quick delivery
of work. INCITE provides secure environment for the different users allowing
them to define their own filters, views and report.
INCITE keystone supports requests, instruction, and notification process which
can be further individually configured by members to meet business, stakeholder
or project specific requirements. Here are the key features of INSITE platform like
messaging within the software for communication, search mechanism to locate
different documents or records, reporting is one of the key feature in which to
produce powerful reports to give better insight of the project, INSITE platform is
highly customisable yet secure.
Workflow is the main feature of INSITE platform design and construction process
most of the time become complex which involves multiple parties working
together towards the same outcome the powerful workflow engine in this
platform allows them to communicate with each other and solve the problem
instantly.

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Archiving feature is also included in this software which gives flexibility to operate
two projects.

SUGGESTIBLE TOOL FOR AN ORGANISATION

For a big organisation dealing in different project at a time ACONEX would be the
best platform for the handling and management of projects due to its ability to
tackle complex project. ACONEX has certain advantage over any other is that now
ACONEX has acquired the INCITE keystone technology its development and
support team on 5 Aug 2015 now it is a leading cloud collaboration platform for
the global construction industry having 41 offices in 22 countries around the
world including headquarter in Melbourne, San Francisco, California.

VIRTUAL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION

VDC is virtual design and construction a sub part of BIM which shows virtual
computer based image descriptions of the project. With the help of this
technology logical modelling with integrated sense that can be shared. This
model can be highlighted or changed the dependent aspect of related models.
VDC was introduced in construction in year 2001 by Centre of Integrated Facility
Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University. VDC is very helpful in prediction of
projects outcomes and management to enhance or direction towards desired
performance can be achieved
 With introduction of VDC in project it save considerable amount of time, and
cost of project.
 It dramatically reduces the mistakes, rework time as every aspect of expected
project is available virtually.
 From planning, safety to quality and productivity VDC keeps every task
scheduled.
 Impact of VDC is subtle on projects which helps in increase communication,
increase collaboration, increase efficiency, increase planning, lower cost,
improved estimation etc.
With VDC services which enables a level of transparency in construction project
that further improves in better efficient outcome of the project.

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VDC professional role is significant in the success of a project only 18% out of 100
believes that it has low or very low significant.

DIFFERENT TOOLS OF VDC

VDC technology helps the organisation from collaborating and coordination in
design to estimation in pre-construction and detail planning at project level. Each
member of project including designer and subcontractor can continually improve
the efficiency, predictability of the project. Under a project VDC technology
integrate one or all OF the following VDC tool
3D modelling
This technology enables us to create the a virtual construction model of the
project with the help of three axis X,Y,Z of the coordination system this helps in

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 visualisation and achieving better clarification on the project than the multiple
drawing overlaid on paper ever could.
4D modelling
When we add time to the 3D model, it gives us a fourth dimension, which enables
everyone involved in project to see how it might be phased and built. 4D
modelling also put light on scheduling – manpower, coordination and anything
else that can affect the outcome of the project.
5D modelling
If we add fifth dimension to a 4D model the concept of cost over time is added.
Therefore a 5d model tells an organisation what would be the estimated budget
for the projects. Budget at any time interval between the projects can also be
calculated. As changes are made, estimating information automatically adjusts,
allowing greater contractor productivity.
6D modelling
This modelling is related to facility management where model is created by
designers and updated throughout the construction phase which further turned
over to the owner. This model contains all the essential information like
specification, operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and warranty
information is also included. Using this current problems like misplacing of O&M
manual has been eliminated.
Laser scanning
By using 3D laser it enables to acquire building spatial data in three dimension
with high fidelity and low processing time.

DIFFERENT STAGES IN VDC

PRECONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION POST CONSTRUCTION

Marketing presentation Resource management 3D as built model

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Feasibility study
Communication of project
scope
Schedule of assessment
/validation with “what-if”
schedule
Site coordination and Training tool during
safety operations and
maintenance
Workflow coordination Learning outcome from
project
Monthly schedule Disaster planning
update
Change orders Assets management

VDC CONTRIBUTION IN A PROJECT

A VDC method which allows the designer, constructor, owner to collaborate
within the same integrated model. Therefore VDC enables early decision making
better coordination, and enhanced project execution, saving the time, trouble
and money. VDC helps client, contractor, subcontractor, engineers, planner,
designer all of them on to a same platform throughout the project from starting
till its completion to work collaborately and effectively. It provide a free flow of
data about what is being designed and how it will going to be constructed. Any
dispute in between is transparent and can be judged and solved by members
during project with mutual support which enhance the professional relationship
among different elements of project.

PROJECT MANAGED BY CONVENTIONAL TOOLS

Project generally managed by conventional tool like manpower or paper based
often being delivered late, over budget and fail to meet the quality standards of
the project. These mentioned shortcomings may result in the overall great loss
to an organisation throughout the execution of the project in AEC industry.
Following are the disadvantage of being handling a project conventionally:-
 Rework and delay of work approximately 30 % work need to be rework due
to poor planning, collaboration and quality.
 Poor coordination of different member involve in a project.
 Improper scheduling, poor pre construction and present construction
planning.
 Fragmentation of design work (due to no networking design work usually
carried out in isolation).

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 Construction workers often exposed to the hazards on construction site
causing accidents and injuries.
 In effective communication between different teams like stakeholder and
manager.
 Poor workforce and inconsistent workflow approximately 30% to 40%
manpower work got wasted due to poor utilization.
 Mismanagement of different construction activities leading to the final
delay in project.

PROJECT MANAGED USING VDC

Using VDC in project different task can be done parallel to each other which save
the overall time for the project significantly. For example in this picture using
traditional conventional method the project is taking around 81 weeks for the
completion but with using VDC the same can be possible in 69 weeks a total
saving of 13 weeks which can save a lot of money for the project. An early
completion of project is always appreciated. Therefore VDC is par tool for a
project management than a conventional one.

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PROJECT USING INTEGRATED BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
BIM is an intelligent integrated model-based process which helps you to plan,
design, construct and manage building and the infrastructure which includes
digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of project. This
integrated model provide collaborative approach to construction possible.

There are two BIM software: authorising and coordination software but in
general practice only single software is used which contain both elements.
Common Authorising software include: Autodesk Revit architecture; Bentley
system.
Common Coordination software include: Autodesk Navisworks and Bentley
ProjectWise.

BIM software is revolutionary in construction management and contractors in

particular. BIM takes the software made by authorise personnel and attach cost,
scheduling and cost to it thus creating a tool for effective project delivery which
saves money, time, conflicts etc.

Level of operation IN BIM

BIM can be used at different level of sophistication:

Level 0 unmanaged CAD, in 2D with paper or electronic data exchange. But

most of the industries are already ahead of this.

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Level 1 at this level there is no collaboration of different disciplines each one
of them publish and maintains their own data. This is mixture of 2D and 3D for
CAD concept work and drafting for statuary approval of documentation and
production information.

Level 2 at this level all different parties may be working on their 3D CAD
models but may be not on single sharing model. The collaboration come in the
form of different parties share their information. The designed data is shared in
a common format which further allows others to join their data to form a BIM
model and thereafter interrogative check is to be done on it. All government are
trying to achieve this level till 2016.

Level 3 this advanced level of BIM in which full collaboration of all the
discipline by means of sharing on single model. All parties can now access and
modify this model which removes the final layer of risk of conflicting information.
This is called ‘open BIM’. This level of BIM will utilise the 4D construction
sequencing, 5D information of cost, 6D project lifecycle information.

It will be years before every construction firms uses this BIM technology to
achieve the fully integrated BIM level, but many organisation has already started
using BIM. For the time being UK, GERMANY, FRANCE, SPAIN, CANADA, USA,
NEW ZEALAND, and SOUTH KOREA are using BIM with a lead.

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ADVANTAGE OF USING BIM IN CONSTRUCTION

 Reduce error and omissions

 Improve collaboration with owner/designers during every construction
phase.
 Enhance organisational image in market.
 Rework reduction.
 Reduce construction cost by proper planning initially and during construction
phase.
 Reduce overall project duration.
 Offer new businesses, increase profit, faster client approval cycle.
 Improved safety.

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ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP)
ERP in construction is now being hailed as foundation which integrate
organisation wide information system together like accounting, finance, human
resource, marketing, manufacturing and distribution etc. very less number of
organisation are using ERP in construction project practice. ERP system can be
used in a construction company for the following general purposes:-
 Business process automation.
 Timely access to management information.
 Improvement in supply chain using e-communication.
 Enhance organisation flexibility.
 Improves decision making capabilities.
 Reduce project cost and completion time.

ERP is to support entry of information and at a point and where it is created and
make it available to all participants within the organisation. There are certain
advantage of implementing of ERP in a construction organisation like:-
 Enable automation.
 Integration in application by any department.
 Applying planning and programme management practice throughout the
construction cycle.
 Availability of information from ground level till management level.
 Provide integration in the working environment.
DIFFERENT ERP TOOLS USED IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES
There are number of ERP software available in market for accounting and
managing various aspects of the construction project. Like IFS Applications,
SYSPRO ERP, MASTERTOOLS etc.

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IFS APPLICATIONS
It is North American based company software founded in 1995, which available
in different western, eastern, and south eastern countries and support different
languages. IFS application is suitable for medium to large sized enterprises which
provide accounting, business intelligence, CRM, human resource, inventory,
maintenance, sales services, supply chain functionality etc. for the construction
firm.

This software is easily accessible to all platform like mobile and pc.

SYSPRO ERP
Like IFS this software is also available for different platforms from mobile to
computer. SYSRO was founded in year 1991 by a California based company. This
software has slight advantage over the IFS it is more secured when compared it
also functional in mobile as an application which has authenticated security
features. We can search for the suppliers or customers and can connect to them
via email, messaging or phone.
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This is more precise in accounting, supply chain, manufacturing, and project
management. When compare to IFS software.

MASTERTOOLS
This software was founded in USA which is used as ERP for small to medium sized
organisations, this software is highly accurate in accounting for small companies,
but when it comes to sales marketing and maintenance this is not a preferable
choice of organisations. Other than that due to its overall handling of different
tasks it is most suitable for small enterprises.
The main drawback of this software is non availability on different platforms
unlike its competitor. It is only available on computers and can be access online
only.

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Therefore large organisation structure SYPRO is suggestible because of its
handling of various aspects of planning in project. And availability on different
platforms.

CONCLUSION
It can be conclude from the report that most of the construction need to be
modernize and effective use of modern technology like VDC, BIM need to be
include in its structure keeping tacit knowledge for the future growth in the ever
evolving industry of construction, because it is hard to transfer from one
generation to another unlike IT software elements.
There are different tools available for the development and managing an
organisation depending upon the structure and preference different firms uses
different tools. But in my opinion ACONEX is found to be the most suitable one
considering a large construction organisational structure which has vast
presence throughout the world. Though the use of BIM has not been achieved
to its ultimate capacity but BIM is the future for sustainable development for any
organisation. In the end depending upon the size and budget of an organisation
ERP is sometime essential but sometime can be problematic also but overall it
enhances firm’s power into the market but same cannot be said if applied to
small organisation.

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