Critical success factors influencing wearable sensing device implementation in AEC industry

Abstract

The present study investigates the success factors (SFs) for implementing wearable sensing devices (WSDs) for safety and health monitoring within the construction industry. A questionnaire survey was designed and administered to stakeholders in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in the United States. A total of 416 valid responses were received from practitioners with experience using WSDs on a construction project. The relative importance and criticality of 25 SFs for WSDs implementation were examined, and survey responses were grouped into general success factors, which were then tested for distinctions across four contingency variables: type of corporation, organization size, levels of Internet of Things (IoT) maturity, and organization experience using WSDs. The results of the statistical analysis revealed the most important SFs for WSDs implementation. The findings of the overall investigation indicate that the critical success factors (CSFs) typically differs depending on the contingency. However, educating and training workers, promoting personalized WSDs, and conducting detailed and continuous assessments of WSDs were identified as key strategies to improve the implementation of WSDs regardless of contingency. Overall, the present study provides a richer understanding of the essential elements required to successfully implement WSDs for safety and health monitoring in construction. Moreover, the present study provides vital information that should inform the development of research frameworks, guidelines, and strategies for improving WSDs integration into construction work processes.