Bar Code Applications in Construction

Attitudes towards auto-ID technologies within the UK construction industry

“…In construction these can be used to provide detailed information about a variety of items including hand-tools, components, assemblies, and even bulk materials. Bar coding is one example of an auto-ID technique which has been used widely and proved to be effective in retailing, automotive manufacture and aerospace (Bell and McCullouch, 1988). Recent advances include bar codes which can contain upwards of 2000 characters and radiofrequency and memory tags which act in both `read' and `write' capacities.…”

“…Recent advances include bar codes which can contain upwards of 2000 characters and radiofrequency and memory tags which act in both `read' and `write' capacities. Bell and McCullouch (1988) identify two possible applications for auto-ID within construction: (1) bar code labels applied to materials and components, and/or paperwork used to track these items; and (2) bar coded menu sheets used to improve the speed of data entry into computer systems. In the UK some experimental applications have been reported by Baldwin et al (1994), Finch et al (1996) and Marsh et al (1997).…”

“…By contrast, the US construction industry has witnessed much more commercial adoption. Speci® c applications include ® eld material control, tool and consumable management, time keeping and document management (Bell and McCullouch, 1988;Stukhart, 1989;Blakey, 1990;McCullouch and Lueprasert, 1994). Baldwin et al (1994) describe a bar coding system during the fabrication, storage and delivery of concretē oor beams.…”

“…Other bene® ts gained from improved materials management included a 70% time saving in checking beams prior to delivery, an 85% saving in clerical data entry times and a 30% time saving in locating beams within the storage yard. Bell and McCullouch (1988) describe how bar coded materials, components and associated documentation can be linked to on-site materials management computer systems. This enables the scanning of the bar code to trigger the generation of receiving reports, goods receipt notes, inspection instructions, environmental protection information, and storage location details.…”

Evaluating Keyless Data Acquisition Technology for Construction Site Application

“…Stukhart and Pearce [12] argue bar coding can enhance productivity in the industrial construction by eliminating human error and greatly speeding up the data entry process . Bell and McCullouch [2] who were involved in the C:I bar code research report that the benefits of implementing the bar code technology include the reduction in time associated with improved data entry and inventory operations. Rasdorf and Herbert [10] develop a construction management information system which uses bar coding for jobsite resource identification and activity identification for enhanced project control .…”