DESIGNING A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IN MANAGING BUILDING DEFECTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Building inspection and maintenance are two processes which are very important in ensuring the good quality of building services to occupants. However, over the years, with competing needs, maintenance budget has been decreasing and building owners are concern in finding maintenance methods which could still sustain the good quality services. In order to resolve the issue, there is a need to streamline the maintenance work process starting from the inspection works and make use of information technology, such as a decision support system (DSS) to improve the quality of every decision made.

The two main objectives of the study are to evaluate the potential for a technological approach that makes use of available inspection data to predict building condition and prioritize maintenance for the future and to develop specifications for a Decision Support System (DSS) to analyze the inspection data and support decision makers in identifying options available.

In order to achieve the objectives, a comprehensive literature review has been done to identify current software architecture of current DSS. A survey questionnaire was then formulated based on the literature review so as to understand the needs of the industry. An interview was also conducted with BCA to obtain perspective from the government board.

Findings revealed that there is potential in developing such system in Singapore as the industry generally welcome it. In addition, the survey also identified the features for the proposed DSS, welcomed by the industry.