Impacts of Design/Information Technology on Building and Industrial Projects

BMM2001-10 shows clear evidence of learning curve effects for certain technologies where performance deteriorates with early use but improves with increased use (and associated maturity levels). Figure 2.5 below shows Owner cost growth with use of design/information technology across quartiles. The 4th quartile has the least use of technology, while the 1st quartile has the highest use. As shown in the figure, quartile 3, associated with some use of technology, has the lowest performance and as such is evidence that performance may decrease with early adoption of new technologies. This is consistent with other observations, but was not found in all cases. (BMM2001-10, p. 14)

Both reports show widespread use of technologies across projects and work functions. Use is somewhat higher on larger projects. Both owners and contractors continue to increase the use of technologies and both realize meaningful benefits. (BMM2001-10, p. 25)