RFID technology, the revolution of CM

We have studied about CPM(Critical Path Method). This is the core concept of construction management. When I heard about this, the new management technology for construction came into my mind. We call it U(ubiquitous)-tech in Korea. The key tech is RFID(Radio Frequency Identification) tag. This tech is used in big construction site in South Korea. Maybe it is same in the US. 

RFID tag

The advent of RFID technology is creating better opportunities for improving the material and labor management function in the construction industry. Traditionally, delivered material has been used to be counted and checked manually. Someone should check delivered item. Additional time and effort are needed to stock those material. And, both the contractor and the owner have to verify that the materials have been installed and physically input that information into the project's status reports. And, operators and field engineers spend hours each month recording and reporting that each piece of equipment is in use. Usually, a field supervisor spends 40% of his time to manage materials. 

However, RFID technology changed all. RFID technology has advantages over bar code such as 1)non-contact communication, 2)non-line-of-sight communication 3)expanded data storage 4)writable capability 5)ease of incorporation in automated systems 6)readability from the sunlight 7)durable form the harsh environments like construction site(Jaselskis et al, 2000)

reader

The RFID tag is installed by manufacturers. It seems like their ID card. When the material ,in which RFID tags are installed, delivered to construction site, its information could be read automatically by reader. Thus, a field manager doesn't need to check manually. It save enormous time in construction site. This technology is called as the revolution of construction management. 

Samsung headquarter in Seoul

When I was in South Korea, I had opportunities to report this new technology. I visited the construction site to build samsung headquarters. The most materials are managed by RFID technology. They can reduce time and money using this technology. Also, they manage labor force by RFID tags. All workers has their own RFID card. Thus, the construction company can know automatically who works now and leaves construction site. 

This technology is expensive to adopt. Thus, small company and small construction sites are not able to use it. But, some day, I believe this technology will come into general use in construction industry.