IT Strategy for Construction Companies: A Pragmatist’s Vision

Abstract

It is contended that leading constructors will alter the economic model in order to take advantage of information technology (IT) opportunities in the coming years. Strategic business leaders, it is noted, aren’t interested in playing with computer tools that nibble at the margins of individual productivity; they seek the substantial savings in costs and improvements in service that have been achieved in other industries. The construction industry, however, is currently organized on an “every man for himself” basis, each firm holding its information within its walls. Therefore, the compelling IT strategies in construction and engineering will incorporate economic incentives that overcome this barrier and make it worthwhile for individual actors to aid the whole supply chain. Attention is given to the way in which such incentives might be structured. The marriage of technology tools and business incentives is seen as forming the core of a strategic vision for IT in construction during the next decade.