Electronic data interchange in an industrial sector: The case of The Netherlands' building industry

• Published in: Information & management 1992-07, Vol.23 (1), p.15-30
• Main Authors: Thissen, Wil A.H., Stam, Wim J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building industry; Construction industry; Electronic data interchange; Exact sciences and technology; Firm modelling; Implementations; Industrial sector; Information infrastructure; Innovation strategies; Interorganisational information systems; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; R&D; Research & development; Standardization; Strategic information planning; Strategy; Studies
• ISSN: 0378-7206; 1872-7530
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-7206(92)90051-G

Strategies for development and implementation of standards for electronic data interchange in an entire industry are investigated, using the Netherlands' building industry as a vehicle. The problem is tackled by analysis of the present situation and structuring and analysis of strategies for innovation, standardization options, and strategies for achieving standardization. It is concluded that a balanced combination of approaches is needed, including development of process and product description standards at the semantic and classification level, coordination of research and development, education, and stimulation of leading parties as an instrument of change. Rather than a completed set of standards, the major results of a three-year research program include an increased awareness of the relevance of EDI standardization in the industry, and partial process and data models that may provide the basis for standardization in the future.