The two-page document is a checklist of 50 points to consider before setting up a project electronically.
"Rules need to be laid down at the front end of a project," said Peter Goodwin the project author. "This includes points such as agreeing on a common software program for exchanging simple data and what layering system to use on complicated software so all parties can make changes to drawings and plans."
The Institute of Civil Engineers has adopted the guidance as the basis of its own rules on electronic project collaboration, and other professional institutions may follow suit, said Andrew Scoones, project manager of the report for the Building Centre Trust.
The guidelines are set out in a DETR-sponsored report, Achieving Greater Integration and Usage of IT, to be published in September. An industry-wide steering group, including David Taff, director at engineer Ove Arup, Mike Manistry, head of ICT at contractor Jarvis and Martin Long of developer Stanhope, developed the guidance.
The report, which aims to encourage the use of IT among members of the project team, also includes a guide to e-business in construction and sets out a framework for how to procure e-business solutions.
It also explains the legal and insurance issues involved in integrating IT systems between companies sharing project information and provides best practice case studies. The Movement For Innovation is considering taking up the findings of the report for use as a demonstration project.
Source
Construction Manager