This is a summary of the results of a major survey of IT use in construction, undertaken by The IT Construction Forum in June 2004.

A total of 373 firms of all types and sizes responded to the survey, the aim of which is to provide an up-to-date picture of firms' current use of IT in construction, and their perceptions of its value, and to identify their plans and aspirations for future investment in IT.

Headline findings

The firms participating in the survey represent a good cross section of construction firms of all types and sizes in the UK and include contractors, specialists, designers and other consultants.

IT is used extensively by UK construction firms, especially for financial management and accounting, but also for the preparation of documentation including working drawings. Firms estimate that almost 60% of working drawings preparation is now undertaken using IT.

Most firms use the internet to source information about construction products. Email is used extensively for communications and, additionally, to order products, materials and services. Just under 50% of firms purchase materials or products from suppliers and manufacturers online.

Speed of working is considered by firms to be the most significant benefit of using IT, closely followed by ease of access to records.

Most firms consider their investment in IT in recent years to be the same or better than their competitors. This is consistent with firms' views that their future investment in IT will be more about keeping ahead of their competitors and keeping pace with their clients rather than keeping up with their own suppliers. Fundamentally, new IT investments will focus mainly on improving communications with others (and also within individual firms).

Firms need pragmatic advice on the costs and pitfalls of investing in IT, supported by advice on how to assess their IT needs. Notably, presentations by vendors or consultants were not considered of major importance in influencing decisions on new ways of using IT.

Sample
A total of 373 firms of all types and sizes responded to the survey, the aim of which is to provide an up-to-date picture of firms' current use of IT in construction, and their perceptions of its value, and to identify their plans and aspirations for future investment in IT.

Technology usage
What proportion of work in these categories is done using IT within your company?

• Greatest proportion of work done using IT is for financial accounting, followed by preparation of documentation and preparation of working drawings.

Which online technologies does your company use?

• Almost all firms use websites to obtain information about products and online technologies but only a third use the web to specify and place orders.
• Email is extensively used to order products, materials and services.
• Firms also purchase material and products online (directly from suppliers and manufacturers).
• Use of extranets is growing fast - nearly half of all respondents said they use project extranets to collaborate online.

Future IT investment
How much will you invest in IT in the next 3 years, compared to the last 3 years?

• Significant investment in IT is planned in the next 3 years, and is likely to be more than current levels. A similar number of firms plan to keep at current spending levels.

Overcoming adoption barriers
How significant are the following as potential barriers to your investment in IT?

• Cost of technology is viewed as the key barrier preventing firms achieving their business aims. The speed at which technology changes and change in working practices are also areas causing much concern.
• Barriers to successful investment in IT could be overcome if adequate impartial advice is made more readily available.

What would help your company in terms of encouraging greater use of IT?

• Reduction in costs of information communication technologies would encourage greater use of IT, more user-friendly systems and products, and training. Setting of industry standards is  also viewed as a significant driver.