An integrated automation system for design/build organisations

The construction of buildings is a complex process that is carried out by a large number of participants with conflicting objectives. This complexity and fragmentation makes the management of the process particularly difficult. This paper presents an integrated system called MITOS – multi-phase integrated automation system that has been designed primarily for design/build firms, i.e., firms or alliances of firms that do both design and construction. But the system can also be used by independent design firms and construction companies as long as they are cooperating on the same project. This integrated system allows designers as well as constructors to receive information about all aspects of the project and procurement) in the design and construction phases of the project and hence to manage the project effectively. The system makes use of a central component called ASDB – automation system for design/build and a set of satellite programs.