IT in Malaysia's Construction Industry

IT in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Introduction

The global economy, including Malaysia, is undergoing rapid development into a knowledge-based economy, where technology, driven by skills and innovation, will be among the key determinants to enhance efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. In this respect, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other technologies have becomes important enabling tools, leading to changes in the comparative advantages and competitiveness of economies worldwide. The application of technologies in various industries has increased over the years, in terms of value and scope. One of the measurements of total factor productivity (TFP) is capital structure, which reflects a change in the composition of capital from a lower to a higher level technology. In Malaysia, capital structure represented 17.4 percent of the TFP for the period of 1996-2005. In the Third Industrial Master Plan (IMP3), 2006-2020, TFP is targeted to grow by 2.6 percent. To achieve this target, increased utilization of technology in industrial development will be one of the major contributing factors.


a) Architecture: Development of New Software

The Independent Software Architect Council of Malaysia (ISAC-M), Special Interest Group of the Malaysian National Computer Confederation (MNCC), took the lead in enhancing software development efforts in Malaysia yet again by advocating the implementation of proper software architecture at the First Malaysia Architect Summit 2005 today.

Organized in collaboration with the MCA IT Resource Centre (MIRC), the Summit was
designed to define, regulate and facilitate the advancement of software architecture as an industry, whilst providing a forum for the discussion of emerging architecture trends and how they can best be applied locally. This move is a vital step towards establishing the Malaysian software developer community as an internationally acknowledged producer of quality software.

Upon officiating the Summit, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation,
YB Dato’ Kong Cho Ha, commended the organizers for initiating the drive to promote
proper software architecture. He also acknowledged software architecture as essential
to Malaysia’s efforts in producing quality, international standard software, as well as determining the success of IT projects.

Commenting that there was an increasing demand for more sophisticated and complex
software solutions in Malaysia, Mr Simon Seow, Co-founder of ISAC-M and Managing
Director of InfoSpec, explained, “Software Architects are in great demand globally. This is because proper software architecture is crucial in IT projects of all sizes. This is why ISAC-M, as an independent industry body, seeks to take on an advisory role and work with corporations as well as government bodies on IT projects where many facets such as interoperability and sustainability need to be taken into account.”

“Software Architects go beyond developing information systems solutions, to playing the role of an architect in the traditional sense of the word,” Mr Seow explained. “They oversee the design and construction of an IT environment, as well as apply blueprints,planning and expert foresight to unite the software developer, systems engineer, systems analyst and systems builder to develop a coherent and powerful and effective IT environment. Needless to say, he needs to have the relevant experience in software development, actively participate in high-level technology decision-making as well as active involved in the running of the business.”

(Quoted from article by ISAC-M: Seeks to Advise on IT Projects to Enhance Success Rate: Kuala Lumpur, June 2, 2005)


b) Quantity Surveyor

An efficient tender management and contract administration is one of the factors that contribute to PWD’s successful implementation of projects in the country. The advancement and increasing usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has altered the way departmental businesses are conducted. An electronic tendering (e-tendering) system is being developed in collaboration with CIDB. Meanwhile, tendering is carried out by means of “Tender by Disk”.

(Quoted from JKR PDF Annual Report 2004)


Tender By Disk (example of tender invitation through tender by disk)

INVITATION TO TENDER

MODEL DOCUMENT

All colored text is for guidance and should be deleted before the issue of the tender. The text in red is where information has to be filled in. The text in blue is explanation of what to do in certain circumstances and the green text is for areas where there is more than one choice that can be made for a particular set of circumstances. Equipment or anything big you intend to buy once will probably amount to a one-off buy.

Our Ref:

[DATE] Date advert dispatched to OJEU and tender loaded to tenders.ac.uk

[DATE] [If using tenders.ac.uk, Tendered to insert date completed]

[NAME
ADDRESS]
(the “Tenderer”)
Dear Sirs

TENDER FOR: Provision of [SPECIFY SERVICES TO BE SUPPLIED]
[SPECIFY PERIOD] (For one off buys this may not be required). If the work must start by a certain date for one off buys then that date should be inserted here)
TENDER NO: [INSERT UNIQUE REF. NO.]

You are invited to Tender for the above requirement. This invitation to Tender consists of the following documents together (“The Invitation to Tender”):

Letter of Acknowledgement
Schedule 1A - Tendering Instructions
Schedule 1B - Conditions of Tender
Annex to Tender - Contract for Purchase of Services
Schedule 2 - Schedule of Requirements (Electronic disk copy also enclosed) If enclosing further documentation such as an excel spreadsheet you should say, “Excel spreadsheet attached separately”.
Schedule 3 - Conditions of Contract
Schedule 4 - Additional Information Required by the University

Once you have downloaded the above documents, please check the contents of the Invitation to Tender package to ensure you are in receipt of all of the above and then return the Letter of Acknowledgement to us, duly signed. You should return your completed tender to the University in hard copy enclosing a floppy disk containing your response to Schedule 2 of the tender.


c) Surveyor (Application of Geographical Information System in Surveying works)

After deciding on implementing a GIS for your organization, the right solution must be found on issues such as hardware, software and manpower. These will be the foundation for your system. There is no clear-cut formula to make the selection process easier. This guideline will give you suggestions that you can use to evaluate various systems. Criteria for selection are mainly based on usability, needs and application. Your hardware selection should be based on the GIS software you select and the operating system strategy that your organization uses. The hardware and software must be tested together, making sure everything works as advertised. One key pointer: Hardware and software technologies change quickly. Avoid technology that is outdated or is on the bleeding edge and has not been proven.

Evaluating Software

GIS software should be evaluated based on functionality, standards, performance and expandability. What is important on functionality is the software's ability to do the things in a straightforward manner. For example, if the intended users are relatively new to computers, the software should have an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). If the organization needs to develop specific applications, the software should have a programming language that allows the software to be modified or customized.

Hardware

Hardware comprises the computer and peripherals on which a GIS operates. Today, GIS software runs on a wide range of hardware types, from centralized computer servers to desktop computers used in standalone or networked configurations. The purchase of hardware depends heavily on the GIS software and its intended application. Basically, it is between buying Unix-based workstations or Windows-based PC.

Human resources

GIS technology is of limited value without people to manage the system and develop plans for applying it to real-world problems. GIS users range from technical specialists who design and maintain the system to those who use it to help them perform their everyday work. Most GIS professionals in Malaysia have a background in land surveying, computer science, geography, urban planning and engineering. A GIS professional should know everything ranging from map appreciation to backing up a GIS database. No doubt difficult, this also the reason why GIS professionals find this occupation interesting and simulating. What skills should a competent GIS professional possess? According to a study done in the US, the most important are listed as map reading, database management, spatial analysis, computer cartography, computer programming, statistics, remote sensing and technical writing. Due to the availability of GIS software for use on the Web, Web programming and networking skills should be added to the list. Another intangible asset a GIS personnel can have is "application acumen" or the ability to understand the needs of the organization and translating these needs into a GIS system.


d) Engineering

What is Infra application 2007 for?

Infra Application 2007 is an essential tool for managing your civil engineering work. Whether you’re a small consultancy firm or medium size consultancy firm, you can use this simple civil engineering software to make pen and paper-based tasks a thing of the past.

Who is Infra Application 2007 for?

Infra Application 2007 software is designed for starting civil engineering businesses that currently use pen and paper or spreadsheets to run their business. It provides a single place to manage the company’s business with the familiar look and feel of conventional civil engineering task.

What are the key benefits of Infra Application 2007?

Infra Application 2007 offers the following benefits: Layout (only for DNAAD and SNAAD), cross section and calculation ready. Easy to learn and use. Only need a simple training because it mainly transform from spreadsheet format. Save time in common civil engineering task Enter design data only once and reduce errors.

What kinds of software inside Infra Application 2007?

Three applications are available as below: Drain Network Analysis and Design (DNAAD) Sewer Network Analysis and Design (SNAAD) Earthworks Computation (EC)

Any training provided?

At the moment, C & S Software Solutions Sdn Bhd is not providing any training. But will arrange for training upon request. Certain fees will be charged

Do I need to go through intensive training?

No, Infra Application 2007 is a simple application.

What kind of pre-requirement of using Infra Application 2007?

Infra Application 2007 needs some basic of infrastructure knowledge.

Can draftsperson use Infra Application 2007?

Yes, as long as draftsperson has some basic of infrastructure knowledge. These basic of knowledge also require in infrastructure drafting work.

What are some of features of Infra Application 2007?

Drain/Sewer Network Analysis and Design Interlink with CAD applications. Spread sheet input format. Calculate sizes, levels and gradients Generate cross sections in DXF format. Simple input. Quantities computation. Output can export to Microsoft Excel file format. Earthworks Computation Grid system and cross section method. Calculate cut, fill and total volume. Generate cross sections in DXF format. Simple graphical display.

How much does Infra Application 2007 cost?

Infra Application 2007 is affordable software. Minimum is RM2800.00 and maximum price is RM6500.00. It depends on package selected. Cost of software can be recovered by a small scale of infra project awarded (few acres of project size). The prices are valid in West Malaysia only.

Where can I find more information about Infra Application 2007?

Visit http://www.civilstructural.com.my for detailed product information.

Is Infra Application 2007 available outside the Malaysia?

No, Infra Application 2007 is currently for Malaysia only.

How many simultaneous users does Infra Application 2007 support?

Infra Application 2007 is designed to be used on a single desktop.

Is Infra Application 2007 easy to install?

Infra Application 2007 is so easy to install, you don’t need any IT staff. The startup wizard gets your company set up and working right away so you can be starting your first project within minutes.


Conclusion

Based from articles gathered above, it can be concluded that, in recent years and future to comes, the advancement of Information and Communication Technology in Construction Industry has started to grow if not slowly but on a fast track basis. To catch up with the fast growing ICT development worldwide, Malaysian Construction Industry has started to realize the importance just to keep in track and walk side by side with the technology. Be it in Architecture line, Quantity Surveying line or even the Engineering line, the application of ICT is not a new thing. Perhaps in the next five (5) years, Malaysia’s or to be precise Malaysia’s Construction Industry will be fierce competitors for the developed country to set an eye on.