ScienceDaily (Aug. 31, 2004) Inadequate software interoperability in the capital facilities industry cost the commercial, institutional and industrial building sectors $15.8 billion in 2002 in lost efficiency, according to a newly released study commissioned by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
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Conducted by RTI International (Research Triangle Park, N.C.) and the Logistics Management Institute (McLean, Va.), the report places a price tag on avoidance, mitigation and delay activities due to data-exchange problems. It also takes into account the cost of redundant paper management.
The analysis, expected to benefit key stakeholders throughout the construction industry, breaks down data exchange-related losses for architects and engineers, general contractors, specialty fabricators and suppliers, and owners and operators at three different stages of a building’s life: (1) design and engineering; (2) construction; and (3) operations and maintenance.
The publication, Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry (NIST GCR 04-867), also identifies barriers and opportunities for improvement. Electronic copies are available at www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/oae.html.

