Author(s)

A.-M. Mahamadu, L. Mahdjoubi, C. A. Booth

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) is regarded as a technological solution for construction supply chain (SC) integration through centralised digital communications. A number of approaches have been proposed for the evaluation of a firm’s capability to deliver BIM. However, none of the existing approaches have been specifically tailored for supplier selection processes. Most of the existing tools have been developed for individual firm capability or maturity evaluations rather than cross comparative assessments for the purpose of selection. Consequently, there remains a lack of tools for prioritising suppliers based on their ability to deliver BIM during evaluations for selection. A Fuzzy-TOPSIS computational framework for implementing such cross comparative assessments is proposed. This method is proposed in view of its suitability for implementation within a cloud-based decision support environment. A high-level architecture for a cloud-based decision support tool (DST) which can incorporate the proposed computational model is presented. The proposed framework is capable of enhancing decision making during the selection process through a robust approach to the aggregation and comparison of SC firm’s BIM competence and readiness.

Keywords

BIM, supply chain, selection, cloud, decision support