Web service integration in AEC supply chain management

摘要

In this paper, we present a system dynamics model describing construction supply chains and networks. This simulation model tests and verifies that web services technology can improve the performance of a construction supply chain by enhancing information transparency. This is a preliminary study before developing a full-fledged supply chain management (SCM) model leveraging web services technology. In the simulation, computer agents control information exchanges as flow engines in order to enable information providing services. That is, a project agent gathers information on actual construction progress and sends it to agents that represent a subcontractor and a supplier, respectively. This proof-of-concept simulation evaluates the new SCM model by comparing it with current SCM practice under two separate virtual scenarios: one under a normal schedule and the other under a delayed schedule.