A framework for an automated and integrated project scheduling and management system

• This paper presents an integrated project scheduling and management system.
• The system can get a near-optimum schedule based on objectives and constraints.
• The system predicts project status and does risk analysis and database management.
• The system employs Fully Integrated and Automated Project Process (FIAPP).
• FIAPP is now called Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Construction projects are becoming progressively larger and more complex in terms of physical size and cost. Building information modeling (BIM) is being regarded as a revolutionary change for managing the entire lifecycle of a construction project. However, the information provided by BIM cannot fulfill the requirements of on-site project scheduling and management. This paper presents a BIM-based framework with the function of developing the near-optimum schedule plan according to project objectives and project constraints for project scheduling and management. An automated database management system, a schedule simulation system, and a MD (multi-dimensional) CAD model creator provide a reliable platform for the proposed framework. To verify the concept and test the feasibility of this framework, a computer implementation called NDSM (N-Dimensional project Scheduling and Management system) was developed and implemented in a construction project.