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.