Experiencing Computer Integrated Construction

The future success of large Japanese construction firms may well depend on the widespread implementation of computer integrated construction (CIC) concepts. Because of changes in the competitive environment, the nature of the construction industry is evolving in fundamental ways. Construction companies that emphasize CIC are likely to gain a significant competitive advantage over those that do not. In today's construction industry, information technology must be viewed as a potential resource. CIC is a strategy, incorporating computers and robotics, for linking existing technology and people in order to optimize business activity. There is no standard formula for CIC. A strategy for implementing CIC should be formulated, and each company must define its own system. The strategy must be supported and promoted at the highest company level. The objective of this paper is to describe the experiences gained in CIC research from a Japanese construction company's viewpoint, and to present a test-base model for CIC implementation. Although the model is not a comprehensive system, it can be considered as a methodology toward total CIC.