TRACKING AND POSITIONING TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MATERIALS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the core of construction industry. SMEs are recognised as the backbone of economy. Materials form major parts of the total cost of construction project which make control of this resource significant. Despite the importance of materials, not enough attention has been given by researchers to materials control and management. Effective and efficient material management has the capability to reduce cost and increase productivity on construction projects for SMEs. Tracking and positioning technology has the potential to increase productivity and the application of construction material management. Affordability, reliability and ease of use are the capabilities of GPS, GIS, RFID and Bluetooth which make them suitable for SMEs. These technologies are widely available yet rarely applied for SMEs in construction. The aim of this research is to find out the applications of the tracking technology for SMEs on supply chain materials on construction site and to investigate SMEs’ attitude and behaviour to the technology. The chosen research method is case study. Observation, interviews and document review have been undertaken. Tracking and positioning technology has the ability to help SMEs to monitor and track their materials movement. Tracking technology is capable for tracking and identification of materials, employees, documents, equipment and safety procedures. It is also capable to transfer data and voice between two different devices. A simulation study has been undertaken to understand how better information flow for supplying materials is possible trough tracking and positioning technology. Interviews have been undertaken with the SMEs owner/mangers to investigate their reflection to the acceptance and adoption of the technology.

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