Smooth operator: Mobile information technology for improved flow at the construction site

Mobile information technology (IT) seems an ideal innovation to promote effectiveness of the construction process, particularly at the construction site; research has over the last 15 years focused on solutions, potentials and barriers with this field. This paper aim at the duality between research and industry for an updated and forward looking comprehension, and view of tendencies, of the roles and potentials of mobile IT at the construction site including potential for further research. Qualitative and interpretive methodology inspired by information systems and sociology of research and construction is used; mobility is classified as remote, local or micro. Literature study is employed along with market screening for mobile systems and case studies of companies adopting these as well as rejecting the technology. Within research communities, software manufacturers and construction companies a mixed attitude is seen; stretching from quick movers to full rejection; developing a taxonomy indicate mobile IT mainly as Extended ERP and for Rich Documentation. The ambiguousness of mobile IT on the construction site supports further research within this field using expanded arrays of multi-disciplinary approaches and including regulators, new technologies and innovation barriers/drivers within construction.