Information strategy planning in construction: Framework and processes

Abstract

The intended objective of ISP is to develop a comprehensive plan for integrated systems development. Thus, Information Strategy Planning (ISP) is the first step in order for general contractors in the construction industry to introduce Information technology (IT) to their business and project management. Due to a lack of understanding of the role of ISP in systems development, it has been often ignored or not been considered by them. In order to design and develop an integrated system flawlessly, a well-defined software development methodology must be adopted. However, most existing methodologies are proprietary intellectual property of System Integrators (SI) whose fees are too expensive to most contractors. Their methodologies are generic and it requires a thorough understanding of their methodology and business processes in construction in order to implement in an integrated systems development in construction. This paper presents a comprehensive framework of ISP for construction contractors. Methods and tools for each step will be presented and desirable deliverables will be followed. Thus, without professional system integrators, they are able to explore information technologies that might support their business needs. It also can help them to evaluate existing systems, examine their IT and business environments, define a system architecture and functional architecture, and assess the impact on their organization.