The current state of ICT usage by UK construction companies

Abstract

Applications of information and communication technology (ICT) have, in general, influenced business strategies, organisational structures, and management processes in the UK construction industry. The aim of this paper is to explore the current use of state-of-the-art ICT applications by UK construction companies. This paper reports on the findings obtained from a questionnaire survey conducted between November 2001 and January 2002, with contributions received from 43 organisations representing UK construction companies. The results indicate that a reasonable ICT investment is considered to be one that is greater than 1% of the construction company's annual turnover. It was also revealed that the three most significant non-financial barriers to the effective implementation of ICT in the UK construction industry are: a lack of established IT standards, traditional business practice and the fragmented nature of this industry.