Current project management systems (PMS) in the construction sector primarily focus on aspects of the design and construction process, either from the perspective of the client or the contractor. The existing tools lack of an interoperable view on the processes and the results. Further fundamental problems are that current PMS don’t support the simulation of site logistics and the characteristic production processes in construction, that the multiple and dynamic changes in the construction process cannot be implemented sufficiently resulting in the inability to provide a necessary risk management. In our opinion the superior target of such a system respectively management platform should be the bundling of all interests.

MEFISTO attends to address these problems by developing a visual platform in the form of a management information system that allows a real-time gathering of operational data and the generation of visually descriptive simulations of decision alternatives on different abstraction levels. Furthermore, complex interrelations will become visually transparent and a dynamic risk management based upon the information model can be established. In addition, mutual understanding between the project partners is supported by such innovative and intelligent visualization methods. Consequently, trust will be established and many misunderstandings can be avoided. On this basis, the whole value-added chain of construction processes will be improved substantially, which has economical as well as ecological and social advantages.

The funding of MEFISTO by the BMBF will promote the creation of networks between the companies involved with the target, to reach international unique selling propositions and an improvement of the competitive situation. Also, innovative approaches for a successful project realization with minimum risks are demonstrated.

Essential criteria for the framework are to provide:

Co-operative building

Frequently, construction projects aren’t embedded in an organizational optimized environment. The major project target - the execution of a successful project in adherence to appointments, costs and quality for both, the customer and contractor - often takes a back seat. The consequences - like overflowing conflicts about claims, cost and dead line overruns, unsatisfactory results, inefficient and insufficient communication, mistrust, dissatisfaction of all involved as well as an increase in legal proceedings - tie up manpower and financial resources without value creation for the partners. The MEFISTO project addresses these problem areas, unites the different project partners on one platform and allows specific views on the project events in different project phases.

Process control

Today’s construction processes are affected by individual data pools and media breaks resulting in different views on the construction project. MEFISTO aims to develop a consolidated model based database and collaborative platform allowing to standardize the evaluation of the construction project in all planning and execution phases. Therefore an integrated process control will be provided as it has already been practiced in other industries.

Risk management

Because of their specific characteristics like the dynamic and high organizational complexity, the natural ground risk, high contractual volumes, refurbishment, unique production, barely existing customer supplier retention and different interests of the partners, construction projects are particularly fraught with risk. Risks can never be avoided completely but minimized and controlled by foresight, transparency and a cooperative solution strategy. Using the methods and tools planned for MEFISTO, risks shall be identified at an early stage and minimized collectively by transparent visualization of the process situations and alternative solution proposals.