Site-Level Construction Information System

This paper defines information requirements to support decision-making needs of site-level personnel constructing a facility. It focuses on information required to drive the process, rather than technical information for design-related problems. The site-level construction information system (SCIS) builds upon basic decision-making theory and a common understanding of the construction process, as represented by the conceptual construction process model. SCIS consists of a four-step process: (1) Establish a matrix of the key project decisions; (2) define the project control system for the given project; (3) establish methods to select the decision-making mechanism, collect information, and implement decision; and (4) propose a method for monitoring the site information system. A case study illustrates key components of this method. A strategy for implementation then follows. The information model presented allows for information gathered from the formal project control system, informal information communication, and unstructured observations on site, to be integrated into a site-level construction information system.