E-Readiness for Industrialised Building System (IBS) Components ...

2012 International Conference on Innovation, Management and Technology Research (ICIMTR2012), Malacca, Malaysia : 21-22 May, 2012

E-Readiness for Industrialised Building System (IBS) Components Management: Exploratory Study In Malaysian Construction Projects Peniel Ang Soon Ern, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Dr. Narimah Binti Kasim, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Abstract-- Construction materials usually constitute a major portion of the total cost in a building construction project, which makes the control of this resource important. Despite the potential benefit of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), convincing construction organisations to embrace its use and implementation has proved a difficult task. This paper aims to present a review of the existing literature on e-readiness (ICT uptake) in Industrialised Building System (IBS) components management in construction projects and a recent exploratory study done amongst some prominent IBS manufacturers in Malaysia. The exploratory study that has been analysed will address on the issues of E-readiness implementation in the IBS components management. Previous research found that ICT has brought about a competitive advantage to the IBS construction industry from the global perspective. However, the e-readiness in Malaysia is rather low. Thus, there is a great opportunity for the future development of more effective frameworks to encourage ereadiness in the IBS construction field and thus for the increased ICT adoption for the overall construction industry. Index Terms-- Construction projects, E-readiness, IBS, ICT, Malaysia

I. INTRODUCTION

I

n Malaysia, as a result of the government’s initiative and

future outlook in advancing the use of innovative technologies, the IBS approach is actively promoted through several strategies and incentives as an alternative to conventional building methods [1]. However, notwithstanding this move, a number of barriers were identified as being potential hurdles to the IBS implementation. Lack of R&D, low Information Technology (IT) adoption and limited technology availability are observed to have generally discouraged IBS take up in Malaysia [2]. In point of fact, extensive use of modern IT tools is able to support the different IBS processes by enabling more accurate documents and hence good conditions for an effective production where errors are discovered early and problems in the manufacturing and assembly phases can be avoided [3] .

However, the current practice of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implementation in the tracking of IBS components in Malaysia is rather rare. It appears that most innovative system and components are using innovative materials are based on imported technologies which are obviously more expensive and difficult to purchase by local contractor [4]. All in all, e-readiness (ICT uptake) at the organisational level is still in its infancy. Hence, there is a need to study on the ereadiness of Malaysian IBS construction players in the management of IBS materials and provide a possible way out to encourage ICT take-up in their projects. The terminology of e-readiness can be defined “as a measure of the degree to which a country, nation or economy may be ready, prepared, or willing to obtain benefits which arise from the digital economy” [5] . An alternative question in the context of this paper is “how ready is my organisation to adopt ICT into the IBS components management processes?” This paper aims to present a review of the existing literature on e-readiness (ICT uptake) in IBS components management in construction projects and a recent exploratory study done amongst some prominent IBS manufacturers in Malaysia. This study is significant in recognising the existing ICT implementation in the current IBS materials management in Malaysia, in identifying the resistant factors to e-readiness and to establish further potential to deal with the e-readiness issues. II. E-READINESS AT THE GLOBAL AND MALAYSIA’S PERSPECTIVE

I

t is often stated that the construction sector during the past

decades have exhibited a lower increase in productivity compared to the manufacturing industry [6]. Official statistics show that during the period 1964 to 2004 the manufacturing industry have doubled its productivity whereas the productivity of the construction industry nearly stagnated or

This work was supported in part by the Centre of Graduate Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) E-Readiness for Industrialised Building System (IBS) Components Management: Exploratory Study In Malaysian Construction Projects P. S. E Ang is with the Department of Construction Management, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) 86400 MALAYSIA (e-mail: [email protected]). N. B. Kasim is with the Department of Construction Management, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) (email: [email protected]).

978-1-4673-0654-6/12/$31.00 ©2012 IEEE

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even decreased [6]. One underlying reason could be due to that ICT has failed to bring about a competitive advantage to organisations in spite of the large investments over the past decade, and a large percentage of systems have failed to achieve their intended business objectives. Recent studies in the area of ‘IT failure’ have shown that 75% of IT investments did not meet their performance objectives [7]. Reference [8] stated that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is broadly applied in other industries, but it has not formally emerged as an effective management tool in the precast industry. The introduction of RFID for the application in the precast industry supply chain, whether it is directly or indirectly incorporated into the execution of the entire project, can profoundly enhance cost competitiveness. Other than RFID, automation in the European construction industry started years ago. Today, the European prefabrication industry uses platform-based and system-based mass customisation – especially for the provision of wall and ceiling elements. An almost complete digital chain – using computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) from the very early planning stage through to manufacturing – is state of the art within the timber construction in Switzerland as well. Meanwhile, digital chain such as BIM is developing further. BIM will change the traditional planning process significantly, and perfectly enhances the mass customisation approach to manufacturing individual client solutions. By contrast, the Swiss precast concrete industry is making very little use of the ICT and automation possibilities that are available today [9].

III. BARRIERS TO E-READINESS

D

riving forces behind ICT usage are varied, as well. In

Asia, owners (governments) are more proactive in introducing ICT in project management while in other regions such as the North America, United Kingdom and Australia, drive is usually self- motivated. It is also found that there is a general hesitance towards the use of ICT. A number of barriers for entry for small to medium sized construction organisations to implement ICT systems were identified such as initial outlay costs, resources, and training for employees [13]. A study done on year 2008 identified a few barrier variables to the use of automation and robotics. In reference to Table 1, eight barrier variables were identified such as “Different Construction Areas Usage”, “Cost”, “Fragmented Industry”, “Difficult to Use”, “Incompatibility”, “Re-training”, “Unavailable” and “Not accepted”. In comparison to Japan and Australia, Malaysia is seen to have “Fragmented Industry” and “Re-training” as the main barriers to e-readiness (Table 1). Consequently, Table 2 pointed out the core factors for the different level of e-readiness. Malaysia is identified as having the market share and government policies as the main driving factors. In Malaysia, decisions on the utilization of innovative technologies depend very much on upper management policies and decision-making process [14].

Table 1: Barrier Variables to the Use of Automation and Robotics [14] BARRIER VARIABLE

Result from a study in Malaysia called for future initiatives in the implementation of normal and sophisticated ICT tools in materials management despite the fact that there was just an average level of acceptance. It was gathered that the main reasons of resistance towards the increased level of implementing ICT in materials management are due to the high cost involvement whether in the maintenance or overall implementation. In addition, the exceptional high cost of specialist software was also a barrier to the upgrading of ICT implementation [10].

Different Construction Usage Cost Fragmented Industry Difficult to Use Incompatibility Re-training Unavailable Not accepted

In addition, an interview conducted with CREAM has emphasised a stagnancy in the progress of ICT adoption througout the construction industry for the past whole decade [11]. Thus, among the recommendations proposed by the researchers to overcome the barriers is to improve ICT adoption amongst the construction players. In addition, Information Technology is identified as one of the critical success factor (CSFs) to achieve a transformation goal for IBS and at the same time gain benefit and profit from [12]. It is more visible that the government authorities are putting more emphasis to encourage readiness among construction players to adopt ICT.

RANKING OF COUNTRIES ACCORDING TO % AMOUNT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Country % Country % Country % Japan 58.0 Australia 26.7 Malaysia 15.3 Australia 47.1 Malaysia 42.0

Japan Australia

28.0 Malaysia 24.9 37.7 Japan 20.3

Japan Japan Malaysia Australia Australia

Malaysia Malaysia Australia Malaysia Malaysia

26.8 Australia 22.9 36.5 Australia 24.6 37.0 Japan 24.6 34.3 Japan 29.3 34.5 Japan 30.5

50.3 38.9 38.4 36.4 35.0

Table 2: Core factors to the differing usage of technologies [14] CORE FACTORS

Characteristics Labour Market Share Policies Workers’ Union Culture

RANKING OF COUNTRIES ACCORDING TO % AMOUNT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Country % Country % Country % Japan 45.0 Australia 35.8 Malaysia 19.2 Australia 42.3 Japan 30.6 Malaysia 27.1 Malaysia 36.5 Australia 34.5 Japan 29.0 Malaysia 39.7 Japan 30.5 Australia 29.8 Australia 48.9 Japan 26.9 Malaysia 24.2 Japan 36.0 Malaysia 35.7 Australia 28.3

From the findings above, the level of e-readiness globally is in a competitive condition, whereas Malaysia is potentially

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picking up. From the studies done in Malaysia, as mentioned in sections II and III, it can be said that there are more studies done with the emphasis on e-readiness in the construction industry in Malaysia, but rarely focusing in the IBS field. Hence, there is a need to conduct a study in tackling the ereadiness issues in IBS as per say. As ICT uptake in the IBS process management significantly increases, it will definitely be the main drive to boost the construction industry’s technology adoption.

Table 4: Summary of the interview responses RESP.

IBS Barriers to Good Practices ICT Usage in Components IBS Components E-Readiness Management Management Problem Processes

1

- Delivery - Quality of product

2

- Delivery - Just In Time - MS Project (JIT) Concept - AutoCAD - Logistics (Transportation) - Erection Sequence Plan

- Mindset - Lacking of convincing government incentive

3

- Design - ISO 9002 for - Microsoft - Payment issues manufacturing softwares drawing - AutoCAD - Lacking of competent - Stenciling designers manufacturing - Automated hollow core plant (extruder) - Form vibrators - Computerised batching plant

- Mindset - High investment cost - Lacking of trained personnel

4

- Design - Lacking of skilled labour

- Good planning and teamwork - Conduct post mortem meetings

- MS Project - Primavera - AutoCAD - TEKLA - Technology operated mould

- Mindset: preference of in-site construction than pre-cast - Lack of awareness to shift from old to new technology

5

- Coordination problem

- Keep close coordination with client - Uses general software to present installation works

- AutoCAD - Benefits and info are not - STAAD.PRO centralised - ACCPAC - Precast Internal System (PIS) in house software - Automated casting machine - Elematic hollow core machine

IV. METHODOLOGY

T

he exploratory study was conducted by interviewing 5

main IBS manufacturers in Malaysia, with some of them being IBS contractors as well. As this would be an exploratory study, the scope is focused on the immediate players that are directly related with the management of IBS components processes, where ICT is more prominently adopted. The reason only 5 IBS manufacturers are selected is due to the fact that they are the top few IBS players in the country, where there is a higher ICT investment in the processes as compared to other small manufacturers who just adopts traditional methods in IBS production. A semi-structured interview was conducted and was analysed with the matrix table. The table below is the summary details of the 5 Respondents.

Table 3: Summary details of the Respondents RESP.

COMPANY

TITLE

1

A

Sales Manager; Technical Manager

2

B

Head, Technical Support

IBS Manufacturer and Contractor

- Switch sub-con and only maintain reliable ones to create competitive environment

TYPE OF COMPANY IBS Manufacturer

3

C

Vice President of IBS Division

IBS Manufacturer

4

D

Senior Design Engineer

IBS Manufacturer and Contractor

5

E

Project Manager

IBS Manufacturer

- MS Project - AutoCAD - Computer controlled batching plant

- No driving factor from the government - Lack of ICT benefit awareness

A. IBS Components Management Problem V. E-READINESS FOR IBS IN MALAYSIA: EXPLORATORY STUDY

T

his section will focus on a few main elements from the

result of the interviews done. The elements that will be highlighted are the IBS components management problem; the good practices in overcoming the components issues; ICT usage; and the barriers to the e-readiness of IBS components management.

One of the frequent recurring issues of the management of IBS components in Malaysia is delivery problem, as pointed out by Respondent 1 and 2. The reasons behind this problem are due to the bad planning when unloading was being done. This issue will normally be solved by ensuring a better supervision done. However, human are prone to errors and thus, better supervision being incorporated with ICT tools would definitely provide a better solution to this delivery problem. Besides that, logistics appeared to be an issue faced by Respondent 2 in the IBS components management problems

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too. The transportation of the precast components will face difficulties especially when the sizes were too huge, there were problems accessing certain routes or any adhoc changes were issued. Alternative routes will then be searched to solve the transportation problem. However, adhoc changes would likely able to be tackled when proper information are computerised and could be adjusted accordingly. In addition, design changes are another issue faced by Respondents 3 and 4. Late changes with the design will cause a hiccup to the schedule of the project as moulds take time to be changed and casting has to take another few months. Slight design errors would cause a dominos effect to other subsequent precast processes. Design modularity, the culture of procrastination and human problems were said to be the main reasons to the said design issue. To deal with this major problem, meetings were held, external consultants were employed, prototype units built and standard openings were provided together with the design. However, the solutions undertook could only solve the surface problem and eventually there will still be tendency for repetitive errors. Hence, employment of sophisticated ICT tools such as Building Modelling Information (BIM) into the design stage will enhance the effectiveness of this stage as BIM has the capability to reduce design errors to the minimum [15]. Apart from that, Respondent 5 saw the critical issue of coordination, especially as Malaysia is still unfamiliar with IBS. The construction industry in Malaysia is generally less consistent with certain schedule and planning. The unhealthy culture tends to affect the overall project coordination. When it comes to the precast technique, it will even affect the overall planning because many advanced planning has to be done much earlier before the IBS components are casted. The common resorted solution would be sending an officer to the site to do the necessary amendments to the coordination problem. However, if there were proper monitoring throughout the processes from all players through an integrated system, a better coordinated project would be assured. B. Good Practices to Overcome Problems There were a few elements of good practices that were suggested in the above said problems by all respondents. Respondent 1 revealed that in order to overcome delivery issue; they would retain only reliable delivery subcontractors, only also to employ a few, so as to create a competitive environment. Besides that, Respondent 2 suggested Just in Time (JIT) concept as a good practice to combat delivery problem. Also, he mentioned the need to follow the erection sequence plan. Good planning and a good teamwork would provide success to IBS components management, even to the design stage. Also, post mortem meetings are essential, as pointed out by Respondent 4.

Respondent 5 emphasised the importance of maintaining a close relationship with the client in order to have good coordination throughout the whole project. Other than that, some ICT tools such as Ms Project and Excel would be of help to present some progress works to improve coordination. It is established that the good practices cited above were not much of any relation with sophisticated ICT tools. Instead, they were more of technical menial solutions. Hence, an issue to be addressed here is to identify the awareness of IBS manufacturers towards the benefit of ICT and the possible barriers that may be preventing them from adopting the tools. C. Use of ICT In IBS Components Management Among the common ICT tools adopted in the IBS components management process, especially from the management level are the AutoCAD and Microsoft Project softwares. STAAD.PRO for design and ACCPAC for procurement purposes are more sophisticated tools adopted by Respondent 5. TEKLA, a BIM software, is only adopted by Respondents 4 and 5. Respondent 4 is the only company adopting Primavera, a project management software. Besides that, Precast Internal System (PIS) is an in-house management software adopted by Respondent 5. There are also a few ICT tools being employed at the manufacturing yard. Respondents 1 and 3 have computer controlled batching plants. Mould vibrators are used at the yard of Respondent 3 whereas Respondents 4 and 5 have technology operated moulds at their yard. Hollow core elematic machine is a sophisticated and imported technology utilised by Respondent 5 whereas Respondent 3 adopts semiautomated hollow core extruder. Unfortunately, all Respondents were pessimistic when asked whether the tools are being implemented effectively. D. Barriers to E-Readiness One of the main barriers that have stunted the further transformation of ICT implementation in IBS components management processes is the mindset factor, as stated by Respondents 2, 3 and 4. The mindset of the developer would prefer to stick with the conventional ways, as many are unwilling to change from in-situ to pre-cast. In addition, Respondents 1 and 4 claimed that awareness among the industry is a factor that has slowed down the transformation of ICT. They may not see the needs and benefits of ICT and resist shifting from old technology to new ones. Other than that, Respondent 1 pointed out that conventional methods are still preferred as general worker is hired at a much cheaper price compared to pre-cast trained personnel. Thus, the ICT tools would not be fully benefited if they are not developed and used as it should have been. In fact, throughout the whole past decade, ICT has not been advancing

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significantly although there was a substantial improvement in the material flow. With that, further advancement of ICT adoption is fundamental to increase profit and productivity and even improve the management of the IBS components. Some initiatives that were suggested were the development of database for product registration; barcode and chip for concrete strength; bar-nesting software for storage of excess components; centralised system for sharing of information; automation of machineries and self compacting concrete machine for casting procedures. In spite of the suggested advancements, there was still reservation over the crucial need for increased of ICT adoption. This may be due to some barriers such as cost factor and awareness of the importance of ICT tools.

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT I would like to express my appreciation to to the Centre of Graduate Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) for providing financial support to this paper.

IX. REFERENCES . [1] IBS Roadmap (2003-2010), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Kuala Lumpur . 2003. [2] Z. Hamid, K. A. M. Kamar, M. Zain, K. Ghani, A. H. A. Rahim, “Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Malaysia: the current state and R&D initiatives,” Malaysia Construction Research Journal, Vol. 2 (1), pp 1-13, 2008.

VI. CONCLUSION

T

he management of the IBS components processes is

definitely essential because the profit and success of the whole project will be determined by how well the components are being managed. From the findings above, a few conclusions can be derived. It is proven that most of the problems or issues faced throughout the IBS components management were normally solved with human solution or by technical menial solution. ICT tools were not regarded as the best practices in overcoming the IBS components management problems. Hence, the root problem may not be effectively tackled and there will be a tendency for the problems to be repeated. In fact, ICT progression has been stagnant for the past decade in Malaysia. Some IBS players see the need for the further ICT initiatives, but many remain reserved due to the barriers that exist. Besides that, there is a lack of a technology push created for the IBS players to have a greater awareness of ICT benefits and the need for an increased ICT adoption. As a conclusion, there is a need to develop an e-readiness framework that will be the driving factor for all IBS players to further implement ICT in their IBS components management processes. The framework is significant to create a platform for greater effectiveness in the management of IBS components processes.

[4] IBS Roadmap Review (Final Report) (2007), IBS Centre, Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur , 2007. [5] E.C.W. Lou, J. S. Goulding, M. Alshawi, “Global EReadiness – The alignment of NationalPolicies to Organisational Strategies”, 8th BuHu International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC), Prague, Czech Republic, June 2008, 135 – 145, 2008. [6] C. M. Eastman and R. Sacks, “Relative productivity in the AEC industries in the United States for on-site and off-site activities”Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, pp 517-526, July 2008. [7] A. Alshawi, Rethinking IT in Construction and Engineering : Organisational Readiness, UK: Taylor and Francis, 2007. [8] Y.L.Yin, H. P. Tserng, J.C. Wang, and S.C. Tsai, “Developing a precast production management system using RFID technology.” Automation in Construction (18) pp. 677–69, 2009. [9]

VII. THE WAY FORWARD

F

[3] J. Lessing, A. Ekholm, and L. Stehn, “Industrialized Housing – Definition and Loughborough: European Construction Institute”, 2005.

rom the literature review and exploratory findings, there is

a need for a further research on developing a constructive and practical e-readiness framework to increase the e-readiness amongst the IBS construction players in Malaysia. The industry would like to see more on the framework for the strategic implementation of IT in IBS supply chain. This study is essential for the betterment of all levels and factions of the construction industry.

G. Girmscheid and T. Rinas, “Cooperation Model for Mass Customised Products in Swiss Construction”, in Proc. 2010 of First International Conference on Sustainable Urbanisation, Hong Kong, China.

[10] P. Ang, “Implementation of ICT in Materials Management in Construction Projects,” Degree Dissertation, Department of Real Estate and Construction. University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 2009. [11] Z. Hamid, “CREAM, Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia, IBS Centre, 1st Floor Block E, Lot 8, Jalan Chan Sow Lin

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Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, (Personal Communication), 2010. [12] K. A. M., Kamar, M. Alshawi, and Z. Hamid, “Industrialised Building System: The Critical Succes Factors”. Paper Proceedings In BuHu 9th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC) (Eds, Alshawi, M., Ahmed, V., Egbu, C. and Sutrisna, M.) Salford, United Kingdom, 29-30 January 2009

Management Department of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Her special fields of interest includes Construction Management, Materials Management, Supply Chain Management, ICT in Construction Management and Human Resource Management. Kasim was awarded the bronze medal in a competition, ITEX’2009 – Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2009 – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Malaysia.

[13] P.E.D.Love, Z. Irani and D.E. Edwards, “A seamless supply chain management model for construction”, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 43-56, 2004. [14] R. Mahbub, “An Investigation Into the Barries To The Implementation of Automation and Robotics Technologies In the Construction Industry”. Ph.D. dissertation, Fac. Built Environment and Eng., Queensland University of Technology, Australia, 2008. [15] R.Sacks, C. M. Eastman, G. Lee, and D. Orndorff, "A Target Benchmark of the Impact of Three-dimensional Parametric Modeling in Precast Construction." Journal of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, 50(4), pp. 126-139, 2005.

X. BIOGRAPHIES

Peniel Ang Soon Ern was born in Johor, Malaysia on May 27, 1986. She graduated from High School Batu Pahat, Johor and begun her university life at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), graduating with first class honours degree in Technology Management (Construction) and went directly to undertake Ph.D in the same field in UTHM. Currently undergoing her Ph.D research, she has so far published a journal in IJCCT entitled “The Awareness of ICT Implementation in Materials Management in Construction Projects” and a conference proceeding, “E-Readiness for IBS Components Management in Construction Projects” for CITC-VI.

Narimah Binti Kasim was born in Malaysia on February 10, 1971. She completed her B.Eng.(Hons) Civil Engineering degree at University Malaya, Malaysia; Msc. in Construction Management at University Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai and Ph.D in Construction Management at Loughborough University, United Kingdom. She is currently the Head of Construction

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