The use of mobile computing in construction information management

Construction work sites are the places where actual construction activities are carried out. However, onsite information communications are hardly supported by information technology. The advance of mobile computing gives the construction industry a powerful potential to extend the boundary of information systems to construction work sites. This paper describes an ongoing doctoral research that is aimed at exploring the potential benefits and barriers of applying mobile computing in improving onsite information communication. The specific focus of the research is on users' perspectives, such as users' requirements and preferences. The proposed methodology consists of three steps: (a) a pilot study; (b) a survey to investigate the information needs of onsite users and the current approaches to information communication; and (c) an experimental research to explore users' perception of using mobile computing within a real construction context. After comparing and analyzing results from the primary study, findings will be used to assess the barriers between people and technologies, the perception of users, and the potential opportunities of mobile computing in onsite information management.