FIATECH and COMIT to collaborate, but don't forget the others...

At a Harvard University conference in Boston last year, I briefly met Ric Jackson of FIATECH and talked about the NCCTP's efforts to develop a data exchange standard that would allow data to be transferred between different construction collaboration ('extranet') platforms. From a Cadalyst article, I see FIATECH has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with UK-based group COMIT. 

FIATECH's mission is to "provide global leadership in identifying and accelerating the development, demonstration and deployment of fully integrated and automated technologies to deliver the highest business value throughout the life cycle of all types of capital projects", and has developed an interesting “Roadmap for Capital Projects”. COMIT provides information and guidance on the benefits of effective use of mobile IT in the UK construction industry. The two bodies have already worked together on the roadmap, and further work is planned, particularly in the use of RFID and "applications of augmented reality through 3D design and visualization technology".

Such collaborations must continue. There are a seemingly growing number of bodies and projects all concerned with helping construction organisations make better use of technology. Earlier this week, for example, I had a look at the website of the Modern Built Environment Knowledge Transfer Network (one of a much bigger group of KTNs); in April, I attended BuildingSMART's London conference (see post); in May, I went to Dublin for a CITA meeting; I continue to work with the NCCTP and with Constructing Excellence (home of the IT Construction Forum); I also sit on an ICT and automation working party developing ideas as part of the National Platform for the Built Environment; and next month I will be talking to the KIM Project. These (and other) groups certainly need to keep abreast of each other's activities to avoid needless duplication or potential overlaps or conflicts of interest.

Tags: FIATECH COMIT Ric Jackson NCCTP construction collaboration RFID MBE KTN BuildingSMART CITA Constructing Excellence National Platform for the Built Environment