On-site inspections: the shift from forms to digital capture

Abstract

The building, construction, and real estate industry is undergoing a major transition with traditional ways of working being replaced by novel three-dimensional modeling technologies. Such transitions take place incrementally as more and more actors see the advantages. While new systems (e.g., building information modeling) have become increasingly diffused in the industry, many practices have been left intact. On-site inspections using the old method of filling out forms for the registration of errors and omissions are eventually replaced by defect management systems, where an app on a mobile device is used to take a photo, note position, and write notes, which are directly sent to the responsible people involved. A case study was conducted in a large residential project under completion by a contractor. Project managers and skilled workers were introduced to a specific app and given the opportunity to try it out. Data were subsequently collected based on a series of qualitative interviews conducted with the on-site personnel. This was analyzed according to the technology acceptance model, a theory of user acceptance of new information technologies. Our contribution is that we compare the technology acceptance of new and existing defect management methods and unearth their relative advantages, while registering how users’ perceptions of new technology affect their intention to use as well as their actual continued use of the technology. This work is important for managers planning development of their on-site management tools, enabling them to run their projects more efficiently.