The objectives of this research are to investigate the potential applications, data requirements, and symbology of automatic identification technology (AIT) in industrial construction site materials management (CSMM) and to derive a proposed set of standards for their use. The emphasis of the study will be on the data requirements, although other topics are needed to make the study a complete systems analysis. This systems formulation will be based on demonstrated feasibility and preliminary testing of bar coding technology developed through in-house studies and studies sponsored by industry users. The tasks which would be executed are: 1. Study the Application Standards Developed by Other Industries: This includes primarily the Automotive Industry, Department of Defense, Health Industry, and Industry Bar-Code Alliance. 2. Continue Research on Uniform Materials Coding. This research was started in 1986 by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) but was not completed. To achieve Bar Code Standardization, a uniform manner for embedding information within data fields is needed. The researchers will contact the respondents to work with them to discuss code content. 3. Develop a Model for a Transfer Code. Some bar proposed code structure is necessary to transfer information between suppliers, contractors and owners. For example, the manufacturer's identification should include a certain number of characters; the buyers part number a certain number of characters; and the work package or system a certain number of characters. 4. Determine Data to be Encoded. This will include the above, plus data identifiers (e.g. quantity, weight, unit of measure, authorization, serial number, container code). 5. Develop a Proposed Set of Standards: This could include Parts Identifiers, Equipment Tags, Shipping Labels, Purchase Orders, Warehouse Labels and Others. It is assumed that the CII will provide a forum for exchange of ideas, companies to contact, and the first working group for negotiating and executing the proposed standard. An Electronic Data Task Force has been proposed for May 1988. This new Task Force should assist in gaining overall CII support of this Standardization effort.
