Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/otmcj-2020-0003
On-site inspections: the shift from forms to digital capture
Christian Nordahl Rolfsen
orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-6064
; Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
Abstract
The building, construction, and real estate
industry is undergoing a major transition with traditional
ways of working being replaced by novel three-dimensional modeling technologies. Such transitions take place
incrementally as more and more actors see the advantages.
While new systems (e.g., building information modeling)
have become increasingly diffused in the industry, many
practices have been left intact. On-site inspections using
the old method of filling out forms for the registration of
errors and omissions are eventually replaced by defect
management systems, where an app on a mobile device is
used to take a photo, note position, and write notes, which
are directly sent to the responsible people involved. A case
study was conducted in a large residential project under
completion by a contractor. Project managers and skilled
workers were introduced to a specific app and given the
opportunity to try it out. Data were subsequently collected
based on a series of qualitative interviews conducted with
the on-site personnel. This was analyzed according to the
technology acceptance model, a theory of user acceptance
of new information technologies. Our contribution is that
we compare the technology acceptance of new and existing defect management methods and unearth their relative advantages, while registering how users’ perceptions
of new technology affect their intention to use as well as
their actual continued use of the technology. This work is
important for managers planning development of their
on-site management tools, enabling them to run their projects more efficiently
Keywords
on-site inspection; defect management systems; technology acceptance model
Hrčak ID:
243166
URI
Publication date:
1.2.2020.
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