Procurement of Services and Materials Using a FIAPP-Based System—New York City Case Studies

The paper presents an outline of a three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) computer model, and a FIAPP-based system for procurement and materials management, based on two case study projects in New York City. The developed FIAPP-based system is used for the purpose of providing the construction management team not only with a visualization tool, but also with related information for the procurement of services and materials, constructability reviews, and project controls for the project. The currently developed 3D computer model is to serve as the basis for 4D animation sequences of the project schedule and the basis for the bidding process and the subsequent procurement of all related services and materials. As part of this effort, the research team is developing a material-status monitoring system to be used in conjunction with the three-dimensional model that would enable the contractor and the construction manager to visually record and retrieve information related to the procurement of construction material. An example of such visual and object-based procurement tool is the "color-coding" of 3D objects in the computer model based on their procurement status (ordered, delivered, on-site, etc.).