Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Construction project processes are increasingly being delivered remotely and linked via the internet, thus minimizing response time, maximizing choice, and creating a web of project data that can be exploited to automate processes, manage knowledge and assure process quality. In the construction industry, electronic product and process management systems (EPPMS) are used to enable this change. While related systems include building information modeling (BIM), integrated construction project management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and generic electronic document management systems (EDMS), an EPPMS is unique. It acts as a meta-manager of these systems. EPPM systems are emerging as core tools in capital project execution, however there is significant room for development and potential for tremendous impact. The objective of this research project would be to extend the capabilities of EPPM systems to automate and facilitate the improved execution of capital projects. Extension of these capabilities will be achieved by focusing on four key research questions, including how an EPPMS can be extended to: (1) improve supply nexus management for capital projects, (2) identify, measure, and control risks associated with capital projects, (3) manage knowledge on projects, and (4) automate project process management functions. Efforts will be concentrated on industrial construction and will be coordinated with our partner, Coreworx, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario. However, much of what is learned here can be generalized to other construction sectors. Development of HQP will be substantial, since the majority of funds will be used to support research students.