The Advanced Technology Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) commissioned a study to identify and estimate the efficiency losses in the U.S. capital facilities industry resulting from inadequate interoperability among computer-aided design, engineering, and software systems. Although the focus of the study was on capital facilities—commercial/institutional buildings and industrial facilities—it benefits key stakeholders throughout the construction industry.
This report estimates the cost of inadequate interoperability in the U.S. capital facilities industry to be $15.8 billion per year. Of these costs, two-thirds are borne by owners and operation and maintenance (O&M). Interoperability problems in the capital facilities industry stem from the highly fragment nature of the industry, the industry continued paper based business practices, a lack of standardization, and inconsistent technology adoption among stakeholders.