Perception towards cost implication of mechanisation and automation approach in IBS projects in Malaysia

Industrialised Building System (IBS) is defined as a construction technique which components are manufactured in a controlled environment (on or off site). These components are then transported, positioned and installed into a structure without too much site works performed by labours. The agenda of IBS has been duly highlighted in the Malaysian Construction Industry Master Plan (2005-2015) as being of significant importance to the Malaysian construction industry. The Malaysian government is also committed not only in addressing the IBS agenda but also meeting its target and adopting innovations in the near future. The aim of the main research is to investigate the cost implication factors of mechanisation and automation approach in IBS projects. The methodologies are based on a thorough literature review, quantitative and qualitative method using semi structured interviews which were conducted among IBS manufacturers, developers and contractors in Malaysia. Capital cost, maintenance cost, operation cost, inadequacy of market size, site arrangement, upgrading, availability of machine locally, site location, training and transportation are among the major cost factors highlighted by the IBS players. These cost factors require considerable attention when the mechanisation and automation approach are to be fully implemented in IBS projects in Malaysia. The findings on the cost implication of the mechanisation and automation approach in IBS will be able to guide the industry players and the government in their quest to reduce the country’s over-dependency on foreign workers by encouraging the use of labour saving devices at an optimum cost. Subsequently, the IBS needs mechanisation and automation approach to push their agenda forward to meet the government’s transformation policy towards modernising the construction industry in line with other developed countries by the year 2020.