Research in automated measurement of project performance indicators

Current monitoring and control methods rely on massive manual work. As a result, control information is expensive to produce, or is generated irregularly. Additionally, the information is only available infrequently - in many cases after the controlled activity was completed - and its quality and integrity are low. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to improve monitoring and control information, i.e. to offer it on a daily basis, to improve its quality and integrity and to reduce the cost of generating it. To do all this, the Technion APPC researchers started exploring the use of automated data collection (ADC) technologies. We developed models for automated labor and equipment control, materials management and control as well as monitoring safety measures - all described in this paper. Based on the above, the paper discusses development issues and the prospects for commercializing such systems. Materials management and control is currently the most practical application. On the other end of the spectrum is labor control, which currently is the most challenging area. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.