SMART COMPUTER BASED
OVERVIEW
Background: In today’s rapidly changing technological
environment, innovative approaches using computer-based technologies
hold great promise in the building construction field. Developments in
handheld devices, 3-D graphic user interfaces, and wireless
communications have created a new breed of interactive tools capable of
transferring information from the construction jobsite to an offsite
location. For example, on projects (i.e. cost estimating, building
design modifications, problem resolution) requiring considerable time
and travel because of the distances involved, can now be handled in a
timely manner with the availability of wireless network technologies,
thus reducing cost. Fully developed, computer-based technologies will
undoubtedly aid in closing the necessary information loop between the
construction jobsite and the offsite project design team1.
Emerging Technologies: Handheld PC technologies are taking
shape, capable of performing many precise calculations and transporting
vast amounts of information. These devices can be used to create on-site
estimates, or capture and broadcast multimedia video presentations in
order to resolve problems onsite. Today’s Handheld PC’s equipped with
wireless or WiFi technology can be used to create a virtual 3D
representation of the jobsite from an offsite location. This wireless
technology enables the design team at an offsite location to visually
track components and monitor progress at the construction site using a
3D graphic user interface.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s) using specialized Palm Estimating
software now permit project managers to collect information onsite for
cost estimating. This device, using a checklist, can capture all the
data needed at the construction site, whereby this data can then be sent
via a wireless connection to an off-site location in generating a full
estimate of the construction project2.
Tablet PC’s, another emerging technology helping to eliminate some of
time constraints between the construction site and the office, can
provide multimedia presentations for problem identification and
resolution. For example, a foreman using a camera on the table PC can
capture pictures of the construction site (in identifying a potential
problem) and then make notes and highlight the picture or area of the
interest to the design team using the tablet PC’s sketch pad. The
picture can then be sent to the engineers and architects for review3.
Benefits: Ultimately these smart devices will aid in the
scheduling of material and labor, eliminate waste due to error, and
improve productivity and reduce cost. In addition, as these systems
evolve and become increasingly accessible, they will continue to improve
the lines of communication between the jobsite and offsite project
design team, thus eliminating much of the guess work associated with any
building construction project.
