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A BPMN-based process map for the design and construction of façades

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Voss, Eleanor | Jin, Qian | Overend, Mauro

Affiliations: Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK | Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Note: [] Corresponding author: Eleanor Voss, Glass and Façade Technology Research Group, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Keywords: Process map, façade design process, project management

DOI: 10.3233/FDE-130006

Journal: Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, vol. 1, no. 1-2, pp. 17-29, 2013

Received 12 August 2013
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Accepted 20 November 2013
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Published: 2013
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Abstract

Process mapping can lead to significant efficiency and quality improvements in construction engineering and is an ideal basis for developing IT support tools. The increasing complexity and multidisciplinary nature of façade design and construction suggest that a process map would be beneficial in this sector of the construction industry, but it has received limited attention to date. This paper presents a verified process map of the façade design and construction process. The map is the first of its kind to represent, in detail, the whole process relevant to all façade types, from commencement of the façade consultant's and contactor's participation, to the end of their involvement. The paper describes the process by which the mapping notation was selected, followed by the development and verification of the process map, including testing in two independent research projects. The BuildingSMART's BPMN notation is found to have superior system features and comprehensibility for this application and the resulting process map is easy to interpret and verify by industry experts. The trialling of the map in the two research projects indicate that the map is a useful tool for assessing process improvements in the façades sector.