ASPs based construction management system: A literature review on indurstry implementation and research concerns

Traditional paper-based construction project management approach cost more labor and time, but result in low efficiency. Information Technology could not only help to induce document printing and shiping fees, but also enhance communication and cooperation. The investment in tailor made in house project management software system is so large that AEC firms don't want to apply. Application Service Provider (ASP) provides faster application deployment and lower initial investment. For mid to small size corporations, Application Service Provider (ASP) is one access to web based project management system. As the Information Technology is changing fast, both researchers and software corporations have to keep pace with it. However, little research is done to provide an overview of recently development of Application Service Provider in construction project management field. In order to fill the gap, literature from 2000 to 2009 is reviewed. 19 well-known Application Service Providers are selected and summarized. While System Service Provider is advertising the benefits of ASPs, AEC firms still reluctant to implement. Regarding to this phenomenon, the motivation, expectation and worries of AEC firms are summarized. Influencing factors are indentified to illustrate how to implement ASP based project management system more successfully. The gap between practice and research is found outģ Future research should focus on issues of system security, software interoperability, data ownership after project completion, and online contract legality.