Evaluation of Electronic Document Management (EDM) systems for construction organizations

Abstract

It is crucial to adopt effective management system that can handle various information and documents in project activities. Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) is one such software which can use for document control, store, coordinate, retrieve and share information in electronic or paper-based format. There are lots of benefits of using electronic document systems in any organization. Some of them are security, user-friendliness, data visualization, reducing the cost for documents and increasing the quality of the project. However, Sri Lankan construction industry is very lag in adoption of theses EDM Systems. Thus, this research aims to investigate the existing electronic EDMS and applicability of them in current Sri Lankan construction industry. In depth case study was carried out using one large construction project “Altair” to evaluate “Aconex EDMS” with requirements, challenges and benefits. Case study was carried out using a semi structured interview (6 Nos.) along with a questionnaire survey (24 Nos.). The results established that it is beneficial to appoint a separate staff member to handle the documents so that it will help to reduce the complexity. Further, it is identified that the greatest barrier to adopt EDMS in the industry is the lack of knowledge about EDM systems.