Net Gain in Construction

Managers in the design and construction industry are increasingly aware of the need for interoperability - the capacity to exchange information with other organisations in a seamless manner. New technology can provide many tools to aid interoperability, but it is often unclear what short and long term commitments should be made to integrate this technology into the working environment. 'Net Gain in Construction' looks beyond the technology and addresses the far-reaching implications for decision-makers in the construction industry. It provides a pragmatic yet exciting view of the direction the construction industry is taking.

By examining the underlying phenomena that are likely to become more permanent features of the construction landscape, the author provides a framework which enables managers to fully exploit the possibilities of Internet technology. The provision of a wide range of case studies make this book relevant to the entire industry spectrum, from the smallest architectural firm to the largest multinational construction company. A companion website is provided as a supporting resource for the book allowing readers of the book to keep up to date with recent developments. The site will also provide a key resource for postgraduate teachers and students in the area, providing support material for courses.

* WRITTEN in non-technical language for the construction professional
* PROVIDES examples of applications on the related website including virtual tours of major construction projects
* COVERS topics such as groupware, intelligent agents and project monitoring via the Internet