Data Integration Strategies in Construction

Two areas that are particularly suited to EDI are special construction methods and trade partnering. Prefabrication, preassembly, and modularization are special construction methods that are becoming more common on industrial construction projects. EDI has the potential to enhance procurement on these types of projects to take advantage of the economies realized with EDI applications in manufacturing. EDI also forces companies to develop closer relationships with trading partners. The outcome of this process will probably be more partnering agreements between engineering and construction firms and their major suppliers. The resulting cost savings introduced by improved schedule deliveries, inventory reduction, and procurement efficiency will be impressive. (SD-57, p. 101)

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) has the potential for very tangible cost reductions in materials management and project control areas. However, the U.S. construction industry lags behind other industries and foreign construction competition in its implementation. The potential European construction boom after the 1992 European Common Market takes effect is one reason for implementing new competitive technologies. The U.S. construction industry must be proactive, rather than reactive, in implementing EDI. (SD-57, p. 98) 

A pilot project application is critical to the success of any EDI program. Probably the key outgrowth of a pilot project is the education of the participants and the foundation for future implementations. Only by fully integrating EDI into the overall project management computing system can the full benefits of EDI be realized. EDI pilot projects should be planned and implemented carefully following the guidelines contained herein. (SD-57, p.142)

Modifications to existing computer systems, whether to provide integrated database capability or implement EDI, should be undertaken in discrete stages, with strong upper management support. Small-scale pilot projects should be undertaken to demonstrate benefits before full-scale system implementation. (SD-57, p. 142)

SD-57, Data Integration Strategies in Construction

EDI Implementation – Provides a logical overview and implementation flowchart showing EDI implementation strategy.
IDB Implementation – Provides a logical overview and implementation flowchart showing IDB implementation strategy.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) has the potential for very tangible cost reductions in materials management and project control areas. However, the U.S. construction industry lags behind other industries and foreign construction competition in its implementation. The potential European construction boom after the 1992 European Common Market takes effect is one reason for implementing new competitive technologies. The U.S. construction industry must be proactive, rather than reactive, in implementing EDI. Modifications to existing computer systems, whether to provide integrated database capability or implement EDI, should be undertaken in discrete stages, with strong upper management support. Small-scale pilot projects should be undertaken to demonstrate benefits before full-scale system implementation.

Two areas that are particularly suited to EDI are special construction methods and trade partnering. Prefabrication, preassembly, and modularization are special construction methods that are becoming more common on industrial construction projects. EDI has the potential to enhance procurement on these types of projects to take advantage of the economies realized with EDI applications in manufacturing. EDI also forces companies to develop closer relationships with trading partners. The outcome of this process will probably be more partnering agreements between engineering and construction firms and their major suppliers. The resulting cost savings introduced by improved schedule deliveries, inventory reduction, and procurement efficiency will be impressive. (SD-57, p. 137)