Benefits of web-based construction management in Naval Facilities Engineering Command

Abstract

One of the most critical stages in introducing a new business technology is the implementation. At this stage the employees that are charged with using the new technology must relinquish the way of doing business they have been performing for some time. The employees more than likely have a certain comfort in the old way of doing business and will be reluctant to radical change. This is especially the case in the construction industry which is more reluctant in implementing technological advancements than most other industries due to historical and cultural reasons. Naval Facilities Engineering Command is currently at the critical stage of implementation of their web-based construction management tool called WebCM. This paper is written to support WebCM implementation by describing the potential benefits and making implementation and technological suggestions based on similar endeavors in the private sector. By highlighting the potential benefits, the validity and importance of the system should become clearer to the construction contractors, administrators, and clients that will use the system. The suggestions are for the WebCM promoters to consider during the implementation phase and into the future.