*2.1. Data Acquisition*

These are technology and tools in which their utilization in the construction industry would assist in a faster and more efficient data gathering. Regardless of whether the information is gathered onsite or offsite, the data are essential for a successful project delivery. Data acquisition tools include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), drones, and 3D laser scanning. Drones, for instance, are aircrafts designed to fly without a pilot or passengers, controlled remotely using radio waves [24]. These innovations have high mobility and visual data acquisition capabilities. As a matter of fact, drones can play a significant role in conducting quantitative analysis of productivity and safety-related metrics through the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) point clouds from video images produced by the drones [25]. Furthermore, a site staff equipped with a drone can do the same job as multiple personnel without a drone. Thus, using drones can be a powerful tool to comply with the COVID-19 imposed social distancing measures, as the number of people on site would be few. While some firms may be facing major financial constraints to invest in drone technology, it is critical to note that this technology helped construction firms reduce wastage in time by 18.4% and the time to survey a site by 98%, translating into money savings in the long term [8]. Lastly, this smart system gives construction professionals access to real time data, which allows organizations to keep track of their inventory plan and better plan their construction site in general, making room for any adjustments needed as soon as possible [26].

Another data acquisition tool that could be well integrated and utilized in the construction industry, as mentioned earlier, is RFID. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows for automated tracking of equipment and materials in storage or during delivery and makes information readily available for the personnel who handle material tracking and delivery processes [27]. Furthermore, laser scanning technologies are powerful data acquisition tools that have the capability of capturing complex geometries, angles, and distances [28]. While laser scanning technologies require expert operators to run, these technologies provide a great value, as the output of these technologies can be used as the basis to develop as-built BIM models of a building [28]. Table 1 shows some of the potential applications of RFID, drones, and laser scanning technologies in the construction industry.


**Table 1.** Examples of applications of data acquisition technologies.

#### *2.2. Data Processing*

The second stage that ultimately comes after data collection is data processing. A virtual innovation that facilitates such a task is Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is defined by the US National Institute of Building Sciences as a "digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility creating a shared knowledge resource for information about it forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, from earliest conception to demolition" [33]. Kaner et al. [34] revealed that BIM enables the design and detail processing of complex 3D geometric shapes to a high level of accuracy with error-free drawings. Additionally, through features of clash detection and early error identification, the probability of disputes and claims is greatly minimized due to the utilization of BIM [35]. Besides this, other features of BIM include automated quantity takeoff that enables users to avoid the traditional error-prone method of measuring elements of a project and assigning related costs to each. This feature also allows stakeholders to know costs early in the design phase so that more informed decisions can be made [36,37].

Lastly, there exist tools/software that process schedule-related and cost-related data, such as Primavera P6 and Esti-mate, respectively. Primavera P6, for instance, is a very commonly used scheduling and resource-planning tool in the AEC industry. "P6" has the capacity to allow users to develop complex and large-scale programs, forecast scenarios using what-if analysis, and track resources and costs through the project life cycle [38]. Comparably, "Esti-mate" is an estimation tool that could be utilized by quantity surveyors, project managers, contract managers, and vendors to process and coordinate Bills of Quantities (BoQs), subcontractor and material inquiries, and tender adjudications, allowing for accurate and timely project cost tracking [39]. Table 2 illustrates some applications of data processing tools.


**Table 2.** Examples of applications of data processing technologies.

#### *2.3. Data Communication*

As far as communication is concerned, some tools provide features such as discussion boards, work sharing, project websites, and videoconferencing with data sharing as well as real time data manipulation and exchange through virtual teaming [41].

Furthermore, a virtual platform that has a huge potential to transform coordination in the construction industry is cloud computing. According to Mell and Grance [42], clouding computing is a model for "enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction". In a recent study by Du et al. [43], they proposed a cloud-based multiuser virtual reality headset system, which is an innovation that collects BIM metadata and translates them into a multiuser virtual communication environment. The technology allows remote project stakeholders to interact and connect simultaneously, thus improving collaboration. Cloud computing software (e.g: Dropbox) can also provide the necessary features to complement intelligent contracts, or "icontracts". An icontract is an advanced smart contract that utilizes computer codes to automate the execution of contractual clauses between project parties [44]. For instance, an icontract connected to a BIM model would enable the release of payments to a design consultant upon completion of a pre-specified BIM milestone in the contract. Through Dropbox and other cloud computing technologies, data sources such as models and emails, which may be linked to icontracts, can be stored, accessed, and updated by various project stakeholders [44]. In a similar manner, blockchain-based intelligent contracts are envisaged to upgrade the supply chain financing industry through "smart factoring" [45].

Furthermore, Google Meet and Zoom calls, along with the utilization of Dropbox and e-mail communication, are a few of several communication technologies that are adopted in the AEC industry. Due to the ongoing pandemic, video conferencing platforms have now become embedded into the day-to-day AEC work life in the UAE [46]. Despite their current recognized benefits, video conferencing mediums have the potential to be further optimized to ensure high productivity, which would be especially beneficial for countries that adopt a four- or a four-and-a-half-day work week, such as Iceland and the UAE [47]. Table 3 identifies the applications of these technologies.


**Table 3.** Examples of applications of data communication technologies.

To explore the levels of use of communication technologies in the Nigerian construction industry, a questionnaire [48] revealed that different positions within an AEC firm utilize electronic communications at different levels of sophistication, based on the position's need. The questionnaire revealed that email systems were the most frequently used tools to achieve effective information management [48]. Oliver [49] stated that current communication platforms provide the necessary features to allow for higher levels of interactivity, intimacy, and immediacy for AEC stakeholders to experience better social and technical communications. Thus, digital communication technologies may ease cost pressures and technical complexities [50]. For instance, there is a high potential for video conferencing ICTs to solve corporate difficulties in an international market through overcoming lack of expertise and lowering travel expenses [11]. It is worth noting that Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) processes have existed for years. However, such communication technologies may not be well-integrated into existing industries to improve their efficacy [51], meaning that they are underutilized.
