Automation and Robotics in Construction XII E.Budny, A.McCrea, K.Szymanski (Editors) © 1995 IMBiGS. All Rights reserved. INTEGRATED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT J.Sutt,Dr.ec.sc.Professor, Chair of Construction Management and Economy', T.Nuuter,Assist. Professor,Chair of Construction Management and Economy2, 1'2Tallinn Technical University, EEO 108, Tallinn, Ehitajate tee 5. Estonia. Abstract 85 The paper deals with integration of the data processing problems in the complex " design - construction " process , aiming to minimize the total time spent on data processing. Sequence of the basic tasks under observation is: quantity surveying and estimating, drawing up the technological models and calendar plans of construction ( including labour and cash flow schedules), purchase orders of the materials and control of material usage, control of execution of the tasks and fixing the norms (feedback). Theoretical approach to the problem serves as basis for elaboration of the classification system, which depends on the task management and distance of the time horizon and allows to rationally group and aggregate data . Construction project resources ( materials , labour, finance ) and construction works process centred models , as well as formal structures of the informational models ( hierarchical , network-, matrix- and relation models) are discussed. 1. INTRODUCTION Integration of the data processing tasks is in the first place obstructed by the variety in design , procurement and construction management schemes . However, management tasks require generally the same project data in various points of time, which is often grouped using different characteristics or is differently aggregated. Building structure designed by architect and civil engineer could be modelled as hierarchical (tree shape) model. For timetabling and modelling work in the technologically consecutive order, suitable network models were developed. Construction economy could be best analyzed by matrix models . In prosperous management , transition from one data grouping, from one aggregation, or from one structure to another, is usually accompanied by new input of the whole data. To guarantee input of the initial data on one occasion only, we attempt to formalize all possible connections and attributes of the elements, belonging to the object under consideration. In order to determine the basis of the model, where from the rest of the outputs could be attained by linear variation (analogy to matrix algebra), norms and typical schemes are used. Next, the construction project is presented, using different aggregate models, which represent different connections and attributes of the elements. The discussion is valid in the first place for buildings and services and for their functioning, but could also be extended to be applied to the rest of construction industry.