Esin Ergen's research interest

Formalization of Life-Cycle Data Management of Precast Components Using Advanced Tracking Technologies

Problem Definition
Material related information is not readily available in construction supply chains which results in inefficiencies in material flow e.g. wrong deliveries, lost materials. Unavailability of material information is even more problematic for engineered-to-order (ETO) components since ETO components (e.g. precast, pipe spools) are highly customized having numerous component-related information items, have long lead times, and usually on the critical path in construction schedules. Not being able to access a component-related information item on demand leads to late project deliveries and ineffective maintenance. Current approaches mostly use paper-based reports to record and exchange component-related information within and between parties of a supply chain, which it is error-prone and inefficient. There is a need for a streamlined component-related data flow through a supply chain that enables data to be easily available and transferrable for different parties accessing the component during its life-cycle.

Advanced tracking technologies, such as radio frequency identification, can enable streamlined information flow by storing some of the component-related information on a chip attached to component and by communicating this information to different parties as the component moves through a supply chain. These advanced tracking technologies enable the components become intelligent by storing information about their identities,handling, storage and installation instructions and other inportant information on the component itself. This information can be communicated to different databases of different companies on an as needed basis. However, to utilize these technologies, information items that need to be stored and transferred have to be identified, and exchange needs have to be determined.

Vision, Objective and Approach

This research aims to streamline component-related information flow to downstream parties in ETO supply chains. A vision of having intelligent facility components has been the driving force to address data collection and timely information access issues in material tracking and information flow management through precast supply-chains, and to leverage existing advanced tracking and positioning technologies in relation to addressing those issues. The objectives of this research are to: (1) Identify characteristics/patterns of component-related information in precast supply-chains; (2) Identify requirements and reasoning mechanisms that are needed for using an advanced tracking technology for tracking components and their histories throughout their lifecycles.

To identify characteristics/patterns of component-related information in precast supply-chains, I proposed four hypotheses related to information flow in precast supply chains, and validated those hypotheses based on the results of descriptive case studies. To identify requirements and reasoning mechanisms for tracking components and their histories, I chose two types of components and identified requirements and reasoning mechanisms for tracking those components at two different phases of their life-cycles. I validated the requirements and reasoning mechanisms via field tests.

Related Publications
Published in Refereed Journals

Song, J., Haas, C.T., Caldas, C., Ergen, E., Akinci, B. (2005). "Automating the task of tracking the delivery and receipt of fabricated pipe spools in industrial projects." Automation in Construction, in press.

Published in Refereed Conference Proceedings
Song, J., Caldas, C., Ergen, E., Haas, C.T., Akinci, B. (2004). "Field Trials of RFID Technology for Tracking prefabricated pipe spools.” ISARC 2004, September 21-24, Jeju, Korea.

Sacks, R., Akinci, B., Ergen, E. (2003). "3D modeling and real-time monitoring in support of lean production of engineered-to-order precast concrete buildings." IGLC-11 Eleventh Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Blacksburg, VA.

Ergen, E., Akinci, B., Sacks, R. (2003). "Formalization and automation of effective tracking and locating of precast components in a storage yard." EIA-9, E-Activities and Intelligent Support in Design and the Built Environment, 9th EuropIA International Conference, Istanbul.

Akinci, B., Patton, M., and Ergen, E. (2002). "Utilizing Radio Frequency Identification on Precast Concrete Components - Supplier's Perspective." Nineteenth International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2002), September 23-25, 2002, Washington, DC USA, 381-386 pp.

Technical Papers
Akinci, B., Ergen, E., Haas, C., Caldas, C., Song, J., Wood, C.R., Wadephul, J. (2004). "Field Trials of RFID Technology for Tracking Fabricated Pipe." FIATECH Smart Chips Report, FIATECH, Austin, TX, February 2004.

Song, J., Haas, C., Caldas, C., Ergen, E., Akinci, B., Wood, C.R., Wadephul, J. (2004). "Field Trials of RFID Technology for Tracking Fabricated Pipe -Phase II." FIATECH Smart Chips Report, FIATECH, Austin, TX, August 2004.

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