Going beyond “BIM, Blockchain and I-Core-enabled Logistics and Supply Chain Management for Modular Integrated Construction”: Several thoughts ahead
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Abstract
Wilson Lu's keynote presentation at CBC 2023 elaborates on the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM), blockchain technology, and smart core technologies for enhancing cross-border logistics and supply chain management in Modular Integrated Construction (MIC). He shares insights from a recently completed ITF project that his team at Hong Kong University undertook, aimed at solving the complexities surrounding the construction industry in Hong Kong, including high construction costs, an aging workforce, and declining construction techniques and quality.
Lu explains that MIC, or offsite construction, is a strategic solution to these challenges, emphasizing the production of 3D standalone modules complete with finishing, furniture, and fixtures—akin to containerized Lego pieces. However, Hong Kong lacks local factories for MIC module production, leading to a unique cross-border manufacturing approach with factories in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province. This necessitates a robust system for quality inspection, logistics, and installation management, areas where blockchain and digital technologies offer significant advantages.
The core of Lu's presentation centers on the development of a mobile platform to digitalize the logistics and supply chain of MIC, focusing on production processes, cross-border logistics, and onsite installation. This initiative led to the creation of three applications: E-Install for factory quality inspection, E-Transar for cross-border logistics and transportation, and E-Instar for onsite module installation. These apps allow for real-time documentation and quality assurance, leveraging blockchain for immutable record-keeping and IoT technology for tracking and analysis.
An innovative aspect of the project is the use of an in-house developed IoT technology, I Core, to track the logistics of cross-border module transportation, providing valuable data on location, vibration, and other parameters directly to the blockchain system. This level of transparency and accountability is crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of construction modules from manufacturing through to installation.
Lu reflects on the lessons learned and potential areas for further exploration, such as visualizing blockchain systems in a way that is accessible and meaningful to stakeholders, leveraging blockchain oracles for validating off-chain data, and exploring the use of smart contracts for streamlined payments. He also discusses the industry's interest in developing construction-specific blockchain platforms and subscription services to lower the barrier for SMEs in adopting these technologies.
The presentation concludes with a call to consider the appropriate blockchain platform typology (public, private, consortium, or hybrid) for construction projects and the possibility of creating an industry-specific blockchain platform. Lu emphasizes the potential of blockchain to transform the construction industry by improving efficiency, quality, and trust across the entire supply chain, from manufacturing through to onsite assembly.
