- Author
- Haas, C. T. | Borcherding, J. D. | Glover, R. W. | Tucker, R. L. | Alemany, C. | Fagerlund, W. R.
- Title
- Effects of Computers on Construction Foremen.
- Coporate
- Construction Industry Institute, Austin, TX
- Report
- CCIS Report No. 9, March 2000, 44 p.
- Keywords
- computers | building construction
- Identifiers
- Center for Construction Industry Studies (CCIS)
- Abstract
- Foreman level task automation has been increasing at a rapid pace recently. Like office automation, there is some question whether the results represent a net benefit. Questions also arise, such as the potential of the average foreman to fully utilize and adapt to new automated systems and tools. The study reported here was conducted by the Center for Construction Industry Studies to begin to address these questions. The study attempted to determine the effects of computers on construction foremen in three areas: the effects of foreman-level task automation in terms of time saved, foremen's reactions to and experiences with task automation, and foremen-level task automation trends. Over 200 foremen employed by six companies utilizing foremen-level task automation were surveyed. Among the 179 foremen who responded, fifty-seven percent use a computer at work. Of the foreman surveyed who used a computer at work, seventy-seven percent reported that they were somewhat comfortable, comfortable, or very comfortable with computers. Based on the responses, the average amount of time saved per day due to computer use was about 14 minutes. This represents a small direct labor savings. In addition, however, a computer-using foreman spent 7% more time supervising than his counterpart who does not use computers. This may be assumed to represent a significant increase in potential production by the foreman and his crew. Other indirect savings such as improved materials tracking and control or quicker interpretation of drawings were not assessed, but they are the subjects of a follow-up study that will be conducted.