Data TemplatesProduct Information Management Across Project Life-Cycle

Abstract

The built environment is composed by entities, elements and products. Construction products cut cross all stages from design to end use. Product information is used by all agents involved on the value chain but according with different needs and purposes. Digitalization is the driver for construction 4.0 and yet, information management has been less present on industry discussions. This paper explores the role and singularities of the construction process in terms of product information management and outcomes. The characterization of each agent common practices in terms of information needs, the identification of mismatches and conflicts is highlighted as a waste and contribution to fail sustainability targets. To deal with all these problems, information structures are required to foster mutual understanding and efficiency. Data templates are core for this purpose. The paper explores these structures as the enablers towards an effective digitalization of the construction process, as well as promoters of circular economy and sustainability at product level with impacts at built objects level. (c) The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.