Attitudes towards auto-ID technologies within the UK construction industry

Automatic identification (auto-ID) technologies such as bar coding have become widespread within manufacturing, medicine and retailing. Bar coding has also attracted many applications within the US construction industry, providing tangible cost savings through improved speed and accuracy of data entry. However, over the past decade the rate of adoption of auto-ID among UK construction firms has been significantly lower than the US. This paper presents the findings of a UK survey of construction organizations, designed to ascertain key factors which attract firms to use auto-ID, the barriers which have prevented some from doing so, and future developments which are perceived as important in encouraging more widespread adoption of the technology within the UK construction supply chain. Key issues identified include a low level of awareness of auto-ID technologies and the absence of appropriate industry standards. Recommendations include the establishment of a standards body and educational initiatives to promote auto-ID solutions.