AHP analysis for using cloud computing in supply chain management in the construction industry

Construction supply chain involves a multitude of stake holders, communication between different stake holders play the major role in construction projects. Cost and time over run of projects occur due to delay in communication. Despite of being one of the oldest industries, construction industry is still fragmented. Transferring and updating of information takes place repeatedly between different phases among different stake holders throughout the project lifecycle. Cloud Computing (CC) is a recent IT advancement which can be used as an effective tool to alleviate these issues. Cloud computing technology offers a good platform for sharing, accessing and storing of huge data involved in construction projects. Using CC, an individual can access and share information at any time and place via internet. The main objective of this research is to study and explore cloud computing technology as a tool to improve collaboration and communication in supply chain management. The traditional method of data storage and information transfer has its own limitations. Many construction projects are being delayed and there is a huge variation of planned and actual cost of construction. The factors which lead to these effects are very minor and if managed efficiently, we can achieve expected results using cloud computing. Many researchers have stated that deployment of cloud computing in construction process can improve communication and coordination, as well as mitigate delays and disputes. This paper tries identifying and solving various problems associated with in supply chain management of construction sector (e.g. Miscommunications, improper transfer of information etc. among various parties involved in supply chain process) using cloud computing technology.