Executive information system for monitoring building construction work progress

Abstract

Progress monitoring and control is one of the most important tasks when managing a project. Basically, construction works produce a lot of information and it is the responsibility of the top management to track the work progress at project site. A recent issue highlights inefficiency in obtaining information from site on time. Hence, the focus of this research is to establish a computerized information system which can be utilized by the top management in order to evaluate the construction progress. The aim of this research is to propose a model and develop a computerized project progress monitoring system, known as Executive Information Site Monitoring System (EISMS). Before developing EISMS, current problems faced by the top management in monitoring work progress and various models for construction monitoring in Malaysia Construction Industry were investigated through a questionnaire survey. It was found that manual data collection, time consuming report making, and no on-time corrective actions are current problems incurred by the top management in Malaysia. Indeed, monitoring of work progress depends on a combination of three methods; taking pictures from construction processes, having a database, and using planning software such as Microsoft Project (MS Project). EISMS was developed based on the Waterfall Model and the process began by identifying system requirements, system analysis, system designs, coding, integration and finally system testing and implementation. The system requires three primary data which include; planned work schedule, 3DCAD drawing, and actual work completion at site. From these three parameters, the system is able to compute scheduled and actual work progress and hence schedule variance at any selected evaluation date. In conclusion, EISMS was successfully implemented during construction phase allowing the top management of construction organizations to monitor the construction site progress more efficiently, which helps them in decision making and taking timely appropriate action.