Industry 4.0 deployment in the construction industry: a bibliometric literature review and UK-based case study

Abstract

PurposeIndustry 4.0 is predicted to be a game-changer, revolutionizing commercial and manufacturing practices through improved knowledge utilization and efficiencies. The barriers however, are significant, and the construction industry remains notoriously slow to take up innovations. This study reviews the research work in Industry 4.0 as it relates to construction, and examines a leading UK-based construction firm to ascertain the prognosis for Industry 4.0 roll-out in terms of the impediments and opportunities.Design/methodology/approachA multistage mixed philosophies and methods approach was adopted for this study. First, an interpretivist epistemological lens was used to synthesise extant literature as a means of contextualizing the present study. Second, an empirical case study using a post-positivist stance and inductive reasoning was conducted to explore practitioner acceptance of Industry 4.0 in the UK construction context.FindingsFindings from the literature review indicate studies in Industry 4.0 to be a relatively new phenomenon, with developed countries and Germany in particular leading in the field. The range of opportunities are many, but so too are the barriers to enablement. Findings from the case study provide real-world corroboration of the review; practitioners are sanguine about Industry 4.0's potential to reinvigorate the construction industry, but also note that implementation remains curtailed by residual managerial practices dependent on ‘human interaction’. At present, much of the focus of industry practitioners is on the implementation of building information modelling (BIM), often at the expense of other more advanced technologies within Industry 4.0.Originality/valueResearch in Industry 4.0 is limited, with the emphasis being on technology application. This paper, by contrast, maps the totality of work carried out so far and presents an assessment of Industry 4.0's progression, potential and degree of uptake within the UK construction industry.

Underlying indicators for measuring smartness of buildings in the construction industry

“…The smart building concept uses smart technology (such as those adopted under industry 4.0 (cf. Newman et al, 2020)) to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort and users' satisfaction (Attoue et al, 2018). Smart buildings can be many things but are simply defined as: using building technology systems to optimise building services and operation for the betterment of its occupants and management (Vattano, 2014).…”

Comparison of modular and traditional UK housing construction: a bibliometric analysis

“…The process is highly automated (Edwards et al, 2017) and moves towards an Industry 4.0 solution (cf. Newman et al, 2020). By removing manual trades from the fabrication processes, this method of housing building could reduce accidents on site (Riaz et al, 2006); lower maintenance costs of mobile off-highway plant and machinery (Edwards et al, 1998) and augment safe productivity enhancement (cf.…”

Facilitating Digital Transformation in Construction—A Systematic Review of the Current State of the Art

“…For instance, the BIM execution plan is an operational strategy for BIM implementation not just at the project design stage but throughout the project lifecycle. According to Papadonikolaki (2018), extending BIM implementation to the end of the built asset lifecycle through facility management has increased BIM implementation and impacts in the construction supply chain and many construction organizations The consequence, which can also be observed in IoT implementation, has helped construction organizations to adapt better to digital evolutions (Woodhead et al, 2018) that guarantee positive outcomes (Newman et al, 2020).…”

“…Implementing digital technologies should not be an arbitrary choice despite the amazing benefits of enhancing construction processes (Newman et al, 2020). There should be a deliberate attempt to identify and select the type of digital investment in construction (Dallasega et al, 2018;Newman et al, 2020). Therefore, a strategic consideration that guides the choice of digital investment is needed.…”