Information Technology in the Construction Industry: Managing Projects in the Age of the Internet

Information technology in the construction industry opens new frontiers redefining an internet approach to communication and project coordination. The ongoing exploration of such technologies confirms the techniques of transforming the current process of project procurement, design and construction to enable multiple benefits. An internet-based, collaborative information system can offer benefits such as: · Improved communication · Team cohesiveness · Instantaneous information access · Time savings · Efficiency · Improved coordination · Cost savings The recent Internet technology surge of Project Extranets provides the communication of project information through the instantaneous accessibility of design and construction knowledge. Extranets extend corporate and project information across geographical and organizational boundaries, giving unlimited access to the design and construction team: architects, contractors, consultants and clients. The implementation of knowledge networking through extranet technologies will radically change the way we manage, retrieve, and exchange project information. Ultimately, achieving a significant breakthrough in the construction industry ? a new e-approach to design and construction.