Roles and effects of utilizing recent technologies on material management for construction work in South Africa

Abstract

The role of technology in every facet of the economy cannot be handled with levity. The construction industry like other germane sectors of the economy thrives best with the adoption of technology in various parts of its subsets. It has been established that Material management can be handled effectively with the use of modern technologies. It is based on this that this research focuses on identifying the roles and effects of adopting modern technological tools for effective material management in the South African construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach where questionnaires were administered to professionals in the South African construction industry. Descriptive statistics tools were used to analyse the gathered data. Findings showed that the prevalent roles of adopting technological tools for effective material management in South African construction industry are majorly continuously Progress monitoring; Monitoring mechanisms with regard to stated outcomes are clearly explained from the beginning, and scope and use of materials are explained to all role players. On the other hand, the effects of technological tools are seen mainly as profit maximization; constant monitoring of materials on site and, Aids in planning and clarification of materials before projects begin. The implication of the roles and effects is that there is an opportunity of great productivity in construction industry with the use of technology as it makes things easier while improving principles of management.