Agent-based construction supply chain simulator (CS2) for measuring the value of real-time information sharing in construction

This paper presents an agent-based construction supply chain simulator (CS2) that leverages computer agents technology for modeling a virtual construction supply chain. Although construction managers and contractors do not consciously consider a supply chain and its management, they all interact with the members of a supply chain and make related decisions. Having real-time information available at any time can increase information transparency, which in turn makes it easier for project managers to identify potential risks. CS2 is a modified version of the beer game that has been widely used for illustrating the importance of real-time information in the manufacturing process. Two different types of simulations are presented in this paper, namely human-to-human and computer-to-human interactive simulation. In the simulations, a group of people play different roles, as does the current practice in construction. Results of this simulation test and verify the significance of real-time information sharing in construction. In addition, how the quantity of information affects the value of real-time information using the concept of illusion in cognitive science is investigated. The developed CS2 can be further used for educational purposes as well as for addressing the valuable lesson of real-time information sharing to practitioners.