Strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry
ISSN: 1471-4175
Article publication date: 23 February 2021
Issue publication date: 18 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provide an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the digital transformation of the construction industry. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines regarding the implementation of smart devices for digitalisation in the construction industry. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a set of guidelines for implementing smart devices in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was performed in the UK and the Dominican Republic (DR). Following a systematic approach, qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews involving professionals from construction companies in the UK and the DR. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed using Microsoft Word and exported to the software NVivo, where the software was used to find common thematic nodes across all interviews.
Findings
The findings encompass drivers, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing smart devices in construction project. For both countries, the top five CSFs were leadership, staff training, culture, technology awareness and cost of implementation. These findings were used to develop a strategic framework for implementing smart devices in construction companies. The framework establishes the actors, elements and actions to be considered by construction companies when implementing smart devices.
Originality/value
This paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of implementing smart devices. A strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry and providing guidelines for adopting smart devices in construction projects was developed and validated. This study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction companies when embedding smart devices into their projects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the review team for their encouragement and guidance throughout the review process. The paper has significantly benefitted from their comments. The authors would also like to give their sincere thanks and appreciation to the interviewees that accepted to participate in the study.
Funding: This research received funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Citation
Silverio-Fernández, M.A., Renukappa, S. and Suresh, S. (2021), "Strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry", Construction Innovation, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 218-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-11-2019-0132
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited