Summary: Over the past 6 years, GAO has examined the use of computers in the construction industry, and it believes that computer technology offers a tremendous productivity-improving potential to that industry. However, building designers have remained reluctant to aggressively develop the full potential of the computer. Most of the factors which inhibit the further development of computer aids are management problems; two of the most important are (1) inadequate communications and professional interactions, and (2) deficiencies in the educational process. Finding out about the existence or availability of a program is often a major obstacle, and this lack of effective communication causes expensive duplication of effort. If the source of the software is a Federal agency, firms frequently face problems such as the timeliness of the agency's response to the request, the release of the program by the agency, and the price the agency assigns to the program. As long as potential users are not aware of and cannot conveniently find out what software is available or are unsure of its quality, they will continue to produce their own software at unnecessary expense. Given the organizational structure of the building industry, good communication and professional interaction are essential to the development of cost-effective integrated computer-aided systems. The other significant inhibitor to further advances in computer use is academic curricula. The general situation is that the educational system is not turning out students equipped with the tools needed to carry on their profession with modern technology and new methods. It is costly to acquire and keep current computer programs, to buy up-to-date computer equipment, and to acquire knowledgeable faculty; most schools do not have the funds readily available or are unable to make the long-term commitments required. However, the sooner architectural and engineering students are given adequate education in the capabilities of computers in design and their application, the sooner the potential of computer techniques can be realized.
