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Interoperability's Benefits and Barriers are Topic of CMAA White Paper

MCLEAN, VA Full systems integration and interoperability is achievable in the construction industry, but is being hindered by "people issues," according to a new report by CMAA's Emerging Technologies Committee.
This is not a software issue, it's a people issue, according to the report, arguing that ineffective management limits interoperability more than shortcomings in actual systems and software.
The white paper claims that interoperability can save a project valuable time and money by streamlining the data communication process and by eliminating the need to reenter data. The "people issues" cited by the Committee include factors like over-customizing programs, cluttering a system with nonessential programs, or neglecting interoperability altogether.
In contrast the committee report cautions that Interoperability is a fickle concept that can be damaging to a project if it isn't properly approached. This technology, which is designed to make our lives easier, can actually do more harm than good if it isn't properly managed; harm like raising project costs, causing inefficiencies, and draining resources, warns the report.
The committee says developing a better understanding of interoperability and its benefits is paramount to becoming a more integrated industry.
The report quotes one CM executive noting that service providers have a different view than owners in that the owner's main concern is to get the project done, and they aren't overly interested in efficiencies if it costs them up-front money.
In order to better understand what role interoperability plays in the CM industry, the committee interviewed CMAA members with different levels of exposure to interoperability.