The construction business is an ever changing industry facing increasingly bigger challenges, complexity and above all fierce competition. Contractors, in particular those managing fleet of construction equipment, have to cut their margins, increase the efficiency of their work force and assets, and control their total cost of ownership (TCO) to ensure an acceptable return on investment (ROI). As such, the business evolved in many ways to be cost-efficient. For instance, construction equipment manufacturers have focused on optimizing engine productivity, hydraulic versatility, and mechanical robustness, among many others. However, recent trends segued into delivering smart machines capable of reporting and adjusting equipment operators' behavior to achieve a better on-site fleet performance. This was made possible through the Internet of Things (IoT) and visualization tools by instrumenting construction equipment and devising advanced technological and on-board sensory systems as well as allowing the transfer of relevant information over a shared network within a 3D environment. The objective of this paper is thereby twofold: (1) shed light on the latest approaches developed from tracking systems, load weighing systems, onboard operator assists to help equipment operators in spatial navigation, and (2) examine current virtual systems used to interactively visualize instrumented fleet of equipment and provide proactive on-site monitoring. The review revealed that there is substantial room for improvement and adoption of new tools targeted at reducing inefficiencies, improving fleet productivity, and producing higher quality results, in less time and with less effort.
The principles of lean thinking are rapidly gaining the attention of construction companies while client-side organizations are not catching up at the same pace. However, the client plays a crucial role in driving and setting the framework of the process throughout all phases of the project and thus has a critical influence on the successful implementation of lean. This issue has not been given enough attention in literature, especially in the Middle East. Hence, this study aims at identifying the current status of Middle Eastern clients' characteristics, behaviors and practices throughout the different phases of a construction project. The paper investigates the lean-enabling competencies of clients from the perspective of designers and contractors through online data collection surveys. The results revealed that clients were regarded by AECs as being knowledgeable and involved. However, it appears they persist in taking unilateral decisions, especially regarding deadlines, and focusing on short-term financial goals while neglecting the importance of enforcing collaboration measures.
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