I would enjoy a discussion regarding AEC firms adoption of web-based systems.
Ive been involved intimately with the first generation of these systems like:
Blueline/Online/Cephren/Bidcom/Citadon
Buzzsaw
Constructware
Lately, many firms Ive been bumping into are using some of these systems in meaningful ways (i.e.; value-add). Ive also seen some huge strides and inroads being made with web-based systems that can best be called the Second Generation like:
Meridian Prolog
Primavera PrimeContract
TRIRIGA
My first questions to yall would be:
- Are Web-based systems being used in your organization?
- What features would you, as a specifier, like to see in a web-based system?
- What would you pay for something like this?
In my world, I would love to see a web-based system that would stop focusing only on document management and move into real-time data. An example would be a feature that would allow a specifier a Semantic search through the Web and other Internet resources. This means that when I search for a gliding door that another manufacturer may call a sliding door, that the web-based system will understand this and find all data relevant to my search. This is a small example, but I think you get the picture.
Unfortunately, most of the Web systems for our industry are Web-enabled rather than Web-based. The difference being that software built for computers (MAC, Windows, etc.) that have Web elements are called Web-enabled, rather than software that was designed and built for the Internet from scratch, leveraging databased elements and processes (Web-based).
Im also finding that firms are very unwilling to pay much for this, even in the second generation services. I guess its the chicken and egg game you know you want it, but its another cost and who is going to pay for it.
Comments?
- Paul