Potentiality of emerging technologies to minimise late-payments quandary in construction

Globally, late payments to contractors remain a serious problem in the construction industry. Recent studies reveal a substantial rise of 27% cases of late payments within this industry; with over £30 billion of unpaid invoices to small and medium sized contractors. Yet, there is little empirical study concerning the role of emerging digital technologies like BIM to improve payment practices in the UK construction industry. The study seeks to explore the option of using BIM to alleviate chronic late-payment problems in the construction industry<strong>. </strong>The study adopts a sequential explanatory type of mixed methods design strategies; in addition to use of 13 case studies to explore the potentials of BIM in minimising late-payments. The multi-methods research design used QUAL-QUAN concept. The study data was collected from a representative population sample that includes software engineers; digital technology experts and construction professional; for better understanding of the research problem. Initial findings show that implementation of BIM at the right level has the potential to minimise late payments menace in the construction industry. In addition, the study identified that if digital automated payment systems; are reconfigured properly into BIM framework; it has potential to expedite payment process and offer greater transparency to all supply chain. Other   findings are stated in the conclusion section of the study. The study is part of on-going PhD study that seek to develop of a smart valuation and cash flow systems that will help minimise late payment predicaments to construction contractors.