Project-specific intranets for construction teams

The rapid development of collaborative intranets gives project teams new tools for reengineering the delivery of information on construction projects. An intranet is an Internet-based network that uses a series of linked Web pages to distribute information to individuals within an organization or to interorganizational members of a project team. Intranets allow geographically separated teams easy access to a database of project-specific information, streamlining traditional information flows. In an era of increasing complexity, these intranets may enhance communication and improve teamwork on rapidly developing construction projects. This paper discusses the rise of intranets and describes how this technology can be applied to specific projects. The paper also presents a methodology that can be used to develop project specific intranets and includes sections on objectives, project teams, information needs, technology decisions and information control and security.