ICT utilization in administrative tasks in Iranian construction organizations

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have influenced areas of design and construction in the recent years. Much new software and hardware has been developed to aid administrating, planning, designing, and executing of projects and are being implemented by construction firms in different countries in the last two decades. Iranian construction firms also attempt to apply ICT in projects. However the extent and quality of ICT utilization in construction projects in Iran are still unknown. This paper explains how Iranian firms utilize ICT in administrative affairs. Trends and patterns of the Iranian organization towards administration ICT application are described. The research has a qualitative approach and focuses on meanings and opinions. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with high-experienced construction practitioners and software developers associated with the Iranian construction industry. Responses are qualitatively analyzed and a narrative interpretation is developed. The results showed that the Iranian construction organization acquire ICT facilities based on their needs and functionality of the facility. This paper also explains that important sections of a typical automation system in construction in Iran that are archiving, personnel management and communication.