ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report
The ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report, was prepared by The National Platform for the Built Environment, and published in October 2008.
The National Platform for the Built Environment (The National Platform) is a UK-based strategic body established to promote the built environment and define research priorities to UK and EU research funders. It is an industry-owned organisation with members from business, research and academia.
ICTA stands for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Automation. In June 2006, the National Platform’s Strategic Research Agenda identiified the importance of research into ICTA and automation for the future competitiveness of the UK construction industry, and an ICTA Working Group was established.
The ICTA Scoping Study was commissioned in August 2007. It was intended to produce a long-term research programme / roadmap for ICTA and to identify and engage key stakeholders.
In the foreword to the report, Keith Clarke (National Platform High Level Group Chairman) and Bob White (National Platform Support Group Chairman) suggest that ‘The future success of the UK construction industry in an increasingly competitive global market will depend upon the efficiency with which we create and reuse information throughout the design, construction and whole life management of our built assets. Innovations here will also support dramatic improvements in how we collaborate in the timely and efficient creation of a more sustainable built environment.’
The report was intended as a ‘Call to Arms’ for the industry identifying the types of information, communication and automation technologies that needed to be developed and providing a vision for how they might be integrated.
The report identified five key research topics:
- Collaborative prototyping to define and deliver client requirements.
- Efficient, seamless sharing of information across built environment stakeholders.
- Ability to interact with real-time information regardless of physical location or timezone.
- Mass adoption and application of off-site manufacturing, automation and mechanisation processes and systems.
- Well trained, well qualified workforce able to use the latest best-practice technologies.
For each of these research topics, a detailed roadmap was created, setting out the products, services and technologies necessary to address key drivers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Industry survey highlights persistent skills gap
Building engineering business survey by ECA in partnership with BESA, SELECT and SNIPEF.
IHBC Conservation Professional Practice Principles
Spotlighted in HEF Historic Environment Overview.
CIAT collaborates with CIOB, CIfA, Icon to launch The Arc
Helping clients find specialist historic environment professionals.
Government building safety remediation data releases
Show some progress, but a 50% gap not yet started.
Testing For A Safer Future; an initial industry response
A response to the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime.
Requirements for UK buildings in certain circumstances.
CLC guidance for dutyholders and accountable persons.
Types of contractor in the construction industry
A long list, but are any missing ?
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill 2023
Unanimously approved to legislation on May 14, 2024.
Asset information requirements AIR
In detail, with links to further resources.
Where it's AT Building Safety podcasts from CIAT
Unravelling the Golden Thread and CIAT’s Principal Designer Register for non-HRBs and HRBs.
What happened to Hadrian's Wall?
Its former stones can be found in buildings near its route.
Strategic ventilation in modern building design
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.