• WorksOrganiser

Works Organiser

Introduction

FRAMEWORK FOR WIDER ACCEPTANCE OF DMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

• To organize, control and record construction project activities, documents and data
• Targeted at consultants, contractors, owners

Discussion

1. State of document management in construction industry
   1. Geographic and industry fragmentation, industry specialization
   2. Why not much acceptance of DMS in construction industry?
      • Conviction that IT environment might get even worse than at present

        • - Smaller, simpler, cheaper, throw away systems (apps, Gmail, free cloud services) - Individuals and small groups can move to the cloud, in spite of what their company mandates - Transition from early movers to widespread adoption (trend to fewer blockers)

      • Many are happy to do as told (lack of initiative)
      • Lack of appreciation for what is possible
      • Conflict of interest of project partners (particularly difficult for system sales)
      • Poor fit of existing software offerings to project needs
   3. If DMS used, specific to drawings or group of documents, in a specific project phase; rarely project wide, cradle to grave
   4. The DrawMGT experience (lessons learned):
      • High acceptance/satisfaction with our product (proving quality of our offering). Project adoption successful when project manager takes initiative. Feedback from project managers shows that DrawMGT improves project efficiency and team collaboration.

      • Sales to committees of project partners are difficult. Difficult to get into projects (reflecting dire state of industry). Sales to the enterprise level are difficult due to our small size and market presence.

      • Projects frequently request implementation of additional features and are willing to pay good money for it. We are unique in the industry in being able to quickly implement major new product features
      • Complex configuration currently makes demonstration and deployment difficult.
      • Currently we lack sufficient documentation and promotional material
2. Document management in a project management context
3. Document management in a contractual context
4. Document management at a construction site
5. Definition of ideal DMS (what)
   1. Key Usability Acceptance Factors
      • No fuss: Extremely rapid and simple deployment
      • Just works: Easy to use with no training
      • Pleasant to use: Adds value to project
   2. Technical Requirements

      • to be complete

6. Roadmap for technical development of an ideal DMS (how)
   1. Platform/technologies
   2. Specific product features
      • Comprehensive DMS: In current DrawMGT system - Fully configurable, complete project support, workbook based configuration/deployment (project manual as by-product)

      • In proposed new starter systems - For specific construction project tasks. Rapid-prototyping development style, responsive to individual customer requests, useful results instantly, could later be integrated into the comprehensive product (or abandoned)

7. Funding proposal for a comprehensive DMS for the construction industry
   1. Industry alliance
8. Web application for a starter DMS for the construction industry