Computer applications in the Kuwaiti construction industry

The recent developments in the computer field, and the evolution of powerful and affordable microcomputers which now out-perform old minicomputers, have created great potential for their use in the construction industry. In addition, the proliferation of construction-related software has resulted in the development of more efficient decision-support systems for the management of both the construction company and its construction sites. Applications in different administrative areas, like payroll, accounts payable and receivable, inventory control, general ledger and word-processing are now widespread in construction companies using microcomputers and related software. Moreover, engineering applications are in use in a considerable number of companies. Activities related to the site, such as scheduling, job progress management, purchasing and procurement, cost control, and equipment management can now be performed using microcomputer software on-site. In this work the extent of computer usage in such applications in the Kuwaiti construction industry is investigated. Also the problems associated with computer usage are presented. More than fifty percent of construction companies registered in Kuwait are using computers and these users believe in the importance of computers to their company's operation. In the area of administrative applications, accounting ranks as the most frequently used, followed by general ledger and word processing, while estimation and developing a cost data base are the main applications in the engineering area. Scheduling applications in the project planning area are also widely used. Applications in the area of plant and equipment are rather limited. The major problem stems from failure to anticipate realistically the resources and time required to develop in-house programs. Misjudgement of the required hardware to be compatible with the needed software also resulted in a series of problems. The most efficient and economic approach was found to be developing the required applications using generic software, to be adapted to the company's specific needs.