Strategies to enhance radio frequency identification (RFID) technology applications in the construction industry

Abstract

Purpose The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been initiated by many countries for construction industry applications due to its peculiar benefits. However, the successful implementation of the RFID technology has been hindered due to numerous barriers that are specific to the construction sector. Therefore, this study aims to propose strategies to overcome barriers that constitute significant obstructions to RFID adoption in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted an exploratory mixed-method approach to attain the research aim. The survey was followed by 11 individual interviews conducted with experts and the findings were analysed using content analysis. The questionnaire survey that was carried out as a part of the research had a response rate of 80% and collected data were analysed using Relative Importance Index. To ensure the robustness of the findings, expert validation interviews were conducted to cross-verify and provide deeper insights into the results. Findings The high implementation cost of RFID technology was identified as the most significant barrier when implementing RFID technology. Subsequently, strategies were proposed to implement RFID technology based on identified highly significant barriers of RFID. Implementing RFID technology in small-scale construction projects, increasing the collaboration among the countries that have implemented RFID technology and encouraging investors to invest in RFID-implemented projects were mainly proposed to improve the applications of RFID technology in the construction industry. Originality/value This study paves the way to identify the RFID technology concept and its barriers and strategies to effectively implement RFID technology in the construction industry. Findings are helpful to the construction industry practitioners to obtain the optimum benefit from the implementation of RFID technology.