Development of an Integrated Cost Estimation and Cost Control System for Construction Projects

Today, most of the construction companies are using computer-aided softwares for cost estimation and cost control. The cost estimation is done before the construction begins while the cost control is performed during the construction period. The organization which controls the cost could be different from the organization which prepares the cost estimate. Moreover, different softwares are available for cost estimation and cost control. This may complicate the cost control process due to inconsistencies between the cost estimation and cost control data. The purpose of this study is to develop a system which could integrate the cost estimation and cost control processes. Such integration enables the transfer of cost estimation data automatically to the cost control process. Therefore, complete information regarding the cost status of the project can be accessed at any time. Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) approach using relational database management system is used to develop the integration model. MS Access? is used as a physical tool to implement and test the system. This paper provides a glimpse of the requirements analysis, system development and implementation stages.