ABSTRACT
Electronic document management (EDM) systems have become commonplace tools in the design process of larger construction projects. Adoption of EDM in the construction phase is, however, still at an early stage. This study reports on perceived benefits and challenges related to EDM adoption and use as seen by individual end-users across a large construction project group. The findings suggest that EDM can be a valuable aid in the work processes in all segments of the organisation. However, the complexity of the information content was considered a substantial challenge, and users who regarded EDM use as difficult or inefficient were quick to revert to other channels of communication. The use of parallel channels of communication was, in turn, found to be a significant source of frustration among users. These findings underline the need for well-planned document management guidelines and proper training of end-users.
