Role of a project manager in a residential development housing development in Singapore - Analyse the use of bar code in tracking drawing during the construction of a residential development in Singapore

Abstract

The complexity of client's demand together with ever increasing complexity of building and in particular technology development has resulted in specialization of the construction industry. These demand and changes has also altered the requirement which a project manager must possess ie experience, resources and specialist support. In order for a project manager to meet the objectives set out ie time, cost and quality, he or she has to possess the relevant requirements in order to manage the highly complex and demanding project. The way and procedure in which building plans are distributed and tracked amongst consultants and contractors is one area which needed to be improved in order to meet up with the technological development. Bar code system was identified as one of the tool to improve the tracking of drawing as it has been proven to be successful in improving the asset and inventory management in construction related and non-construction related industries. The three objectives for the research into using bar code system to track drawing are: 1. To survey the standards drawing list. 2. To identify the type of bar code that is suitable for use in this project. 3. To prepare concept plan and carry out trial. The methodologies used in this research are: 1. Data collection 2. Case study 3. Field visit 4. Conduct scale down trial 5. Seek specialist advice. Researches were carried out on the three objectives and a concept plan for the bar code system was formulated. The concept plan was implemented using free demonstration software downloaded from the internet. Site visit and consultation with specialist in bar code was carried out to supplement the implementation plan. Through research and implementation of the concept, we concluded that it is possible to keep track of drawing using bar code. This system gives valuable improvement in time, cost and quality. If full scale implementation is carried out, the system can be fine tuned and even improved to include distribution of drawing or plans via the internet.