Cloud-Based Solution for Construction Documentation and Quality Management – Examination of the Value-in-Use

Abstract

This study examines the customers’ experience of value added they gain from the use of a cloud-based solution for documentation and quality management in construction industry. The industry is a laggard in the adoption of digital solutions. Currently it struggles with very low productivity increases, and the need to develop the operations to respond to new needs. Digitalizing documentation and potentially also quality management is one possibility for the industry towards better productivity. The empirical study was conducted through qualitative interviews with industry experts and organizations that have implemented a cloud-based solution for documentation and quality management. The findings of the study show that using a cloud-based solution for construction documentation generates numerous different kind of value in use benefits. In addition to the time savings in employees’ daily job, the use of the solution provides gains in documentation quality and contributes even to the company image for both the (potential) employees and external stakeholders. Most importantly, the use of the solution enhances keeping track of the big picture as it adds to the accessibility and transparency of the data. The industry experts envision that digitalized solutions can be used for developing completely new business models in the industry.