Cloud computing as a construction collaboration tool for precast supply chain management

Abstract

Precast construction projects are characterized by many activities, the involvement of numerous parties, a lot of effort and enormous processes. Precast supply chain phases are classified as: planning, design, manufacturing, transportation, installation and construction. Achieving integrated construction requires the parties within the precast supply chain phases to have efficient communication and effective collaboration to deliver proper and up-to-date information. The aim of this research is to explore cloud computing technology as the construction collaboration tool and to propose the cloud system architecture for precast supply chain management. The findings in this research are based on a comprehensive review of supply chain management, cloud computing and the precast industry. Findings illustrate that the major obstacles to precast construction are: poor planning and scheduling, less flexibility in design, production lead time, heavy precast components and poor on-site coordination. These obstacles could contribute to the negative consequences for the efficiency and effectiveness of precast project delivery. Therefore, cloud computing technology has valuable potential to mitigate these obstacles and deliver an effective collaboration system within the precast construction industry.