Improving data utilization in construction: On the path towards industrialization
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Wetteri auditorium (IT115), Linnanmaa, University of Oulu
Topic of the dissertation
Improving data utilization in construction: On the path towards industrialization
Doctoral candidate
Master of Scienece (Economics and Business Administration) Solmaz Mansoori
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management
Subject of study
Industrial Engineering and Management
Opponent
Associate Professor Gustav Jansson, Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
Custos
Professor Harri Haapasalo, University of Oulu
Improving data utilization in construction: On the path towards industrialization
The construction industry is striving towards industrialization, characterized by standardized building processes and product parts enabled by effective data utilization. However, fragmented operational processes and siloed information present significant challenges in achieving this goal. To address these challenges, the construction sector needs to provide easy access to reliable data through standardized solutions. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to streamline data utilization in construction, but its implementation often falls short of expectations. This is due to the lack of standardized and consistent product information, which is a crucial link between BIM and fragmented construction processes. This dissertation seeks to bridge this gap and advance the industrialization of construction by investigating how predefined, managed, and integrated products, data, and processes can improve data utilization and support effective BIM implementation.
This dissertation utilizes a qualitative research design, with a systematic literature review and case study analysis to examine the topic. It proposes practical solutions for efficient data utilization, emphasizing the importance of predefined products, structured data flow, and predefined processes as essential steps toward industrializing construction. BIM findings reveal a fundamental perception gap that hinders the implementation, and the presented BIM Iceberg analogy highlights the challenging but critical potential of BIM, which requires collaboration and integration throughout the project lifecycle. A consistent Product Structure (PS) offers a potential starting point for addressing BIM challenges, enabling the flow of structured product data to be used in business processes. The proposed roadmap for industrializing construction based on Industrial Operation Modelling (IOM) elements starts with the increased use of predefined products, followed by predefined, structured product and process data, and the efficient definition of processes. Bridging the gap between processes’ needs and data usability is essential for moving toward industrialization. Together, these interplays provide novel insights into the facilitation of efficient data utilization on the journey towards the industrialization of construction, offering valuable contributions to practitioners and academics in the field.
This dissertation utilizes a qualitative research design, with a systematic literature review and case study analysis to examine the topic. It proposes practical solutions for efficient data utilization, emphasizing the importance of predefined products, structured data flow, and predefined processes as essential steps toward industrializing construction. BIM findings reveal a fundamental perception gap that hinders the implementation, and the presented BIM Iceberg analogy highlights the challenging but critical potential of BIM, which requires collaboration and integration throughout the project lifecycle. A consistent Product Structure (PS) offers a potential starting point for addressing BIM challenges, enabling the flow of structured product data to be used in business processes. The proposed roadmap for industrializing construction based on Industrial Operation Modelling (IOM) elements starts with the increased use of predefined products, followed by predefined, structured product and process data, and the efficient definition of processes. Bridging the gap between processes’ needs and data usability is essential for moving toward industrialization. Together, these interplays provide novel insights into the facilitation of efficient data utilization on the journey towards the industrialization of construction, offering valuable contributions to practitioners and academics in the field.
Last updated: 23.1.2024