The role of using a tablet computer for mobile communication on construction sites

ABSTRACT: The coordination and control of construction projects is vital if a project is to be a success. Almost all analysis has shown that these can only be achieved if good quality communication can be maintained on a construction site. This research focuses on the role that tablet computers could play in enhancing this communication. The following points are investigated in this paper: (a) Whether a tablet computer can enable users to monitor project progress more efficiently than traditional methods, (b) How the tablet computer fits within the project management iron triangle in construction, (c) The two different psychological impacts of information transmission for the end user using a tablet computer (i) The expectancy to transmit information frequently and rapidly from tablet computer users to project members whilst working onsite (ii) The mode of information transmission to the cognition of the transmitted information to the tablet computer. Through the use of structured interviews and questionnaires, the opinions of individuals within various disciplines in construction were canvassed. The approach adopted in this paper deals with understanding both the soft and hard issues for deploying such a system. This research enabled the authors to develop a base framework incorporating the key factors which are relevant for implementing a tablet computer based on information flows primarily