Context sensitive mobile devices in architecture, engineering and construction

The AEC & FM-sector is aware of the potentials arising from the usage of mobile technology in the construction for streamlining their business processes. Discussions are no longer on whether or not to use mobile computer-supported solutions but, rather, on how they should be implanted and used. The following publication describes an integrated, holistic framework for context-sensitive, mobile applications based on the concept of Virtual Organisations, the pattern-based software development paradigm, and multi-dimensional data management developed at the Dresden University of Technology. By applying this approach in early field tests mobile technology became an integrated, complementing part of information systems and newly developed, flexible, adaptable business scenarios instead of remaining just another fashionable toy used as an “add-on” reflecting already existing business practices. The innovations presented in this paper rely on the Concept of the Mobile Worker (CoMoWo) as well as of Mobile, Ambient Intelligent, Networked Environment (MAIN-E). CoMoWo combines pattern definitions and a hierarchically structured layer concept to describe the relationships and interdependencies among the individual patterns. CoMoWo will contribute to the development of innovative methods and adaptive project management models. MAIN-E consists of a set of technology components supporting CoMoWo, such as a multi-dimensional information framework, intelligent agents, and location-based services. This will lead to a supportive IT-infrastructure mobile and fixed to provide information on demand and in the right context to the mobile worker, thus leading to novel ways of working. Domain and task-specific mobile applications can be developed within that framework, supporting a holistic management of built artefacts by reducing the sectorial as well as the organisational separation between the different actors.