Mobile computing and wireless communications for construction projects - Literature review Example

?Mobile computing and wireless communications for construction projects By Table of Contents Introduction The construction industry is based on a multi-organization practice that involves intense reliance on communication between the parties inside and outside the business. Project communication has become more and more complex and rapid transfer of data and information is significant from the project operational and performance viewpoint. At present, the majority of construction businesses necessitate flexibility for their staff about place and time. In this scenario, information and communication technology (ICT) and its products (such as mobile and wireless computing) offer the independence of mobility to members in the construction market and business. Additionally, the wireless connectivity and mobile technologies can be implemented in construction sites in an attempt to ensure real-time data transferred all through the business tasks (Garza & Howitt, 1998; Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005). In addition, it is believed that the acceptance and implementation of modern technologies such as mobile and wireless computing inside the construction sector is not up to scratch, in particular when related to the considerable research endeavor and outlay taking place inside this sector. On the other hand, there are several instances of wireless computing, and yet location aware computing that have been implemented effectively within the construction sector and shown fruitful results. Moreover, these instances have demonstrated how successful implementations of mobile and Wireless Computing have received greater user acceptance and shown an amazing return on investment within one year of implementation (May et al., 2005). Furthermore, the mobile and wireless computing has gained popularity in the past few years. On the other hand, a lot of business organizations at the present make use of mobile technologies and wireless connectivity to carry out their business tasks effectively. In this scenario, their basic objectives behind using mobile computing include sharing data immediately, minimizing paperwork and rework, resolving issues at place, constructing perfect business operational databases through permanent and timely collection of business information and data, improving quality of corporate information and reducing operational costs (Garza & Howitt, 1998; Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005). This paper presents the preliminary findings from a literature review focusing on the usage of mobile computing and wireless communications for construction projects. This paper will discuss different aspects of mobile and wireless technology, their advantages and disadvantages for the construction projects. Evolution of Mobile Computing Before we proceed towards the discussion on the use of mobile computing for construction projects, we must understand the theories and concepts related to mobile computing. Historically, the developments in the computer networking during mid-1970s have offered a great deal of support for the potential development of mobile computing technology. This technology has offered a reality of distributed computing that provides the capabilities for numerous computers and clients to communicate and share remote data and information resources over a network. It has also given birth to a lot of other related fields such as distributed computing, comprising distant collaboration and communication, high accessibility, fault tolerance, communication security, remote information access. In addition, with the emergence of high-tech laptop computers, the wireless networks and the incorporation of cellular technology with the Web, required the researchers to design new network technology based distributed systems for mobile clients. Additionally, the mobile computing that relates a lot of fundamental standards of distributed system design, and that as well expands this hypothesis to convene mobile users’ needs, offers a fundamental arrangement in which clients are able to access the similar point in the communication network from diverse computer devices anytime and anywhere. Though, there are four major limitations that restrict the development of particular mobile computing systems and technologies (Chen & Kamara, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Turban et al., 2005). These issues and limitation can be: the partial local computational and processing resources resulted from weight and size limitation, more weakness against loss or harm due to security concerns, the diversity of connectional performance and dependability, and the issues of power utilization. It is also assessed that mobile computing is yet on the line of further development. This development can be categorized into a number of areas such as mobile data and information access, mobile networking, facility of adaptive applications, location sensitivity and system level energy saving methods (Chen & Kamara, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Turban et al., 2005). In 1991, a brilliant vision of computing was offered by Weiser. According to his viewpoint “the majority intense technologies are those that vanish”. They interlace themselves into the material of daily life yet they are identical from it. In fact, this dream is the foundation of the idea of new ubiquitous computing, which is at the present as well known as the pervasive computing. It presented an innovative mode of thinking about computers as well as determining innovative associations between computers and clients. In this scenario, the basic objective of mobile computing “anytime anywhere”, a hasty method to access corporate data and information, pervasive computing intends to be “anytime anywhere”, that is the practical idea that users are able to have flawless access to technology based computing whenever they require it (Chen & Kamara, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Turban et al., 2005). Need for Mobile Computing The mobile computing has become so popular all through the world. This innovative technology has been accepted and recognized at international level. However, a wireless or mobile computing uses radio waves or microwaves to transfer data from one location to another. These high speed waves are responsible for enabling and managing the communication channels among computers. This innovative technology offers a lot of advantages, some of the well known are: (Mitchell, 2011; Broadband, 2011; Malladi & Agrawal, 2002) Sharing of valuable data and information among computers Mobility Cable elimination Secure environment Data secrecy Many researchers such as (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Kim et al., 2011; Koseoolu, 2004; Dima, 2010; Chen & Kamara, 2008) discuss the importaance of mobile computing in construction industry. They share similaar viewpoints in their researches. In this modern age, which is also known as era of information technology, the potential of work tasks association between physically distributed corporate working and operational teams, minimizing the overall working cost, and improving the quality of product are some of the major challenges for not only construction sector but also for all the business sectors. However, business environment and working teams in a construction project or distributed business environment require a high level communication arrangement for collaborative tasks. In this scenario, a new collaboration model known as mobile collaboration has been developed, which makes use of the latest mobile and wireless technologies at anyplace and anytime. Additionally, the wireless and mobile communications allow people to be more accessible and more productive (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Kim et al., 2011; Koseoolu, 2004; Dima, 2010; Chen & Kamara, 2008). In addition, the mobile technologies are essential for all those organizations that want to give their people an opportunity to work at anytime and anywhere. In fact, the wireless devices are capable to synchronize with real time data in a more proficient way than the customary methods. Moreover, with the developments in mobile computing and wireless networking, a lot of communication and collaboration based service providers have started discovering new business areas to enter. On the other hand, modern tools and services have modernized the existing business procedures (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Kim et al., 2011; Koseoolu, 2004; Dima, 2010; Chen & Kamara, 2008). In a construction project, a lot of parties like that design corporations, subcontractors, contractors, suppliers and consultants are involved and all they are equally concerned with a project. In this scenario, a lot of researches have shown that the mobile computing has the potential to save substantial time all through the business procedures by improving the quality of communication between these parties. It also presents a lot of benefits such as reliability of data generation, enhanced speed of corporate operation, convenience and exchange of better and fast corporate information (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Garza & Howitt, 1998; Kim et al., 2011; Koseoolu, 2004; Dima, 2010; Chen & Kamara, 2008). Why Mobile Computing Solution for Construction Projects? These days, we see mobile computing and deceive everywhere as they are offering an excellent support for business management and collaborative activities. In scenario of construction industry, the mobile computing offers a lot of advantages and services. Give below are some of important benefits that mobile and wireless computing offers for constrictions industry: (Hore, 2006) Industry Focus: The mobile computing is designed on the basis of the exclusive set of needs of the mobile worker who walks and stands while utilizing computer services in the construction business (Hore, 2006). Rugged and Mobile Design: The mobile computing establishes the industry standard for handling and managing the entire functions of construction sector with more mobility of communication and collaboration (Hore, 2006). Construction Partner Network: The mobile computing offers a wonderful support for collaboration with business partners with the primary construction software vendors to design available work patterns and for construction staff (Hore, 2006). Collaborative Approach: The mobile computing offers a great deal of support for effective database and network access to construction staff. This aspects leads to a better workflows and allows the construction firm to effectively communicate with their staff, management and partners to build-up, deliver and support their construction administration requirements (Hore, 2006). Key Drivers for Change The environment of the construction business is not similar to the other businesses such as retail sector or manufacturing, where business operations are effectively defined and controlled. On the other hand, the provisional nature and distinctiveness of construction projects is imitated in one off designs solutions, one off locations and one off project groups that leads to an extremely fragmented communication policy. In this scenario, figure1 demonstrates a detailed analysis of the construction project with diverse needs of communication and collaboration between construction teams and staff. In addition, the teams of construction projects require extensive collaboration and communication that can enhance the overall corporate performance and credibility (Hore, 2006; Kim et al., 2011). Figure 1How Mobile Computing connects a Construction Project, Image Source: (Hore, 2006). Fig2 highlights another solution, which demonstrates a centralized construction environment that requires extensive communication between project team members. In this scenario, with deployment of a centralized communication and collaboration arrangement, the overall working capability of project teams can be improved. This will lead to better corporate arrangement and operational environment for the better business performance (Hore, 2006; Kim et al., 2011). Figure 2How Mobile Computing Connects a Construction Project another scenario, Image Source, (Hore, 2006) Opportunities for Electronic Support in Construction Sector In the construction sector in many nations all through the world there is growing need for the implementation of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). In fact, the ICT is growing the potential and competence of specific areas and aspects inside the construction procedure. It as well has the ability to vastly enhance collaboration and communication all through the construction project through effective electronic dissemination of corporate data and information (Hore, 2006; Kim et al., 2011). In addition, the ICT should also facilitate the entire construction process from beginning to the operational protection of the building asset of a corporation. Additionally, the plan of a project model that facilitates enhanced management and administration of corporate data and information all through the project development life-cycle has gained extensive popularity. Moreover, the ICT is increasing the competence of specific areas and aspects inside the construction business (Hore, 2006; Kim et al., 2011). In this scenario, fig3 demonstrates the application of available ICT support all through the construction project lifecycle. In addition, the figure demonstrate a number of areas and aspects that need to be assessed properly while implementing a technology base system for a construction project or sector (Hore, 2006; Kim et al., 2011). Figure 3 ICT Support for Construction Process, Image Source: (Hore, 2006) Mobile Computing Infrastructure in Construction Sector In any business environment, collaboration is a process of participating with other groups, people and organizations in order to attain preferred results. In fact, the collaboration describes a process of value formation that customary communication and teamwork arrangements are not able to attain. In this scenario, the electronic collaboration is the communication of project and group’s teams where the communication for business procedures and project deliverance are incorporated within a virtual “real-time” atmosphere. In addition, the basic collaborative technologies available in the marketplace nowadays are based on the Internet, local area networks (LAN), extranet, intranet, wireless networking and mobile technologies. In view of the fact that the construction projects engage a lot of stakeholders and costly resources, thus the effectual collaboration and communication plays a significant role in controlling the information, and the running business operations. The construction and development working site is a main area where wealth is made or lost throughout the suitable establishment of collaborative technology systems and aspects, there is significant chance for improving competence, efficiency and quality and performance (Garza & Howitt, 1998; Jadid & Idress, 2005). . Figure4 demonstrates the overall network arrangement for the mobile computing technology at a construction site. In this diagram, different technology based systems are working and collaborating with each other to improve project performance and quality. There are number of communication and collaboration mediums that are communicating with each other to attain better business performance: Figure 4working of a Mobile Network, Image Source: (Garza & Howitt, 1998) The mobile computing is at the present extensively common to facilitate the project personnel work collaboratively inside construction industry. However, the implementation and adoption by the construction business is yet extremely limited. The major cause for the limited implementation is the traditional structure of the construction business industry. In fact, real advantages will be achieved when all the parties concerned in the construction project are capable to communicate successfully (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Jadid & Idress, 2005; Hore, 2006; Chen & Kamara, 2008). A construction project tasks can be facilitated through the incorporation of real-time wireless communication in the area, same like other work tasks. Additionally, by implementing immediate wireless connectivity in site with the essential handheld systems and devices, problem solving and decision making can be made rapid, because it minimizes the need for time-consuming face to face working meetings. In addition, boring paper work will reduce beside the incorporation of mobility into areas of construction site tasks and communication and information flow between the site and the office becomes more precise and well-organized. The availability of accurate information at the right time helps construction firms save time and make staff additional creative at site. Moreover, the wireless computing and solutions help staff attain these facilities at the construction site: as discussed by (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Jadid & Idress, 2005; Hore, 2006; Chen & Kamara, 2008) Resolve issues on site concerned with the project documents Transfer electronic information and data to other construction site or central business management office through wireless connectivity Offer capability of instantaneous decision making and virtual meetings Real time availability of video, audio and data sharing and communication on construction site Record corporate field data on a mobile device like that Pocket PC, PDA and Tablet PC Immediate access to the business data and information In addition, the implementation of the mobile computing based solutions allows construction firms to attain a number of advantages. These advantages can be: (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Jadid & Idress, 2005; Hore, 2006; Chen & Kamara, 2008) Better material management on construction site Quality control on construction site Effective and digital daily jobsite record keeping at the construction site Resource allocation and control for the better construction site management Health and safety for construction site workers Cost and schedule control handling and management for construction business Design problem resolution Design document management Furthermore, there is a wide variety of applications and systems available for construction projects. These systems comprise the establishment of wireless communication and mobile computing on site. In this scenario, one of the most significant motives behind incorporating mobile computing into construction projects is to attain appropriate return on investment. However, business costs have to be recognized visibly earlier than the assessment of business benefits. The investments in construction sector are separated into indirect and direct costs. Direct costs include software costs, hardware costs, configuration and installation costs, fees for technology service providers and maintenance costs. Indirect costs can comprise the cost for employee motivation, training costs, salaries of engineers and technicians and salary changes for technology based support (Koseoglu & Nielsen, 2005; Jadid & Idress, 2005; Hore, 2006; Chen & Kamara, 2008). Mobile Computing Applications for Construction Projects Mobility in construction business is foundational upon new accessible mobile technologies facilitating the mobility of devices and people. In this scenario, the majority of communication service suppliers have started to discover new business areas to enter. In addition, mobile computing can be an efficient tool to improve on site processes. In the past, a lot of business invested in data and information technology based systems in an attempt to get support for their business procedures. However, mobile and wireless computing offers the capability to coordinate with real time data in a much better way. At present, mobile computing and wireless data transfer technologies can be categorized on the basis of their range: (Koseoolu, 2004; Jadid & Idress, 2005) Wide Range: For example GPRS and UMTS technologies Short Range: For example WLAN and Bluetooth technologies At the present, there is a wide variety of mobile computing applications used for effective management of corporate operations. In this scenario, the UK “Construct IT Bridging the Gap’ Report” shows the use of information and communication technology in construction sector. According to this report, “ICT applications are used to facilitate development of the majority of construction projects. They have been intended mostly as way to detailed problems. These applications are powerful in design and analysis. Moreover, according to CICA (Construction Industry Computing Association) in the United Kingdom, more than 1600 applications from over 500 software houses are intended for use in construction, design and maintenance of buildings and construction areas (Hore, 2006). These applications are divided in different categories. These categories can be: (Hore, 2006) Computer aided design and visualization Business and information management Computer aided estimating Planning, scheduling and site management Building engineering applications Computer aided facilities management Conclusion This paper has presented a detailed analysis of mobile computing and its implementation in construction sector. Basically, the construction sector involves a multi-organization practice that involves intense reliance on communication between the parties inside and outside the business. Project communication has become more and more complex and rapid transfer of data and information is significant from the project operational and performance viewpoint. At present, the majority of construction businesses necessitate flexibility for their staff about place and time. In this scenario, information and communication technology (ICT) and its products (such as mobile and wireless computing) offer the independence of mobility to members in the construction market and business. Additionally, the wireless connectivity and mobile technologies can be implemented in construction sites in an attempt to ensure real-time data transferred all through the business tasks. In view of the fact that a construction project involves a lot of stakeholders and team members working at different locations, thus in this scenario the use of mobile computing allow them to establish a communication link from any location and anytime. The use of this latest technology can improve the output of the construction project. References Broadband, 2011. Wireless broadband, Wireless Networking, Wi-Fi, whats what? [Online] Available at: http://www.broadband.co.uk/guides/wireless-broadband/ [Accessed 02 November 2011]. Chen, Y. & Kamara, J.M., 2005. The Use of Mobile Computing in Construction Information Management. In In: Khosrowshahi, F (Ed.), 21st Annual ARCOM Conference. London, 2005. SOAS, University of London. Association of Researchers in Construction Management. Chen, Y. & Kamara, J.M., 2008. Using mobile computing for construction site information management. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15(1), pp.7-20. Dima, B., 2010. Mobile Computing in Construction Management. [Online] Available at: http://www.x-dev.ro/download/doc/mobile_computing_construction.pdf [Accessed 02 March 2012]. Garza, J.M.d.l. & Howitt, I., 1998. Wireless communication and computing at the construction jobsite. 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