Sensor adoption in the construction industry: Barriers, opportunities, and strategies

Abstract

This paper examines the underutilization of sensors in the construction industry despite their significant potential for improving performance. A systematic review was conducted on research published between 2004 and 2024, identifying 11 key barriers such as the need for advanced skill sets and user-centric design, lack of standardized practices, and challenges in data networks and management. The study applied both quantitative descriptive analysis and qualitative content analysis to explore these barriers across five stages of sensor adoption. A total of 63 articles were thoroughly reviewed to identify thematic patterns and chronological trends. The findings highlight critical areas that require attention, including the development of standardized protocols, enhancing data-driven decision-making with advanced analytics, and fostering industry-wide training programs. Additionally, leveraging Lean Construction 4.0 principles is proposed to address these challenges. The insights from this research aim to support the construction industry in integrating sensor technologies more effectively, leading to greater efficiency and improved performance.