Data Management Practices for Supplier Selection in Construction Companies: A Focus on the Role of Information Technology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Sadegh Torkaman 1
Yaghoob Farjami 2
Mohammad Reza Sanaei 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate
2 Associate Professor
3 Assistant Professor
Abstract
Objective:

Supplier selection is one of the key challenges in construction projects, where access to accurate and timely data plays a vital role in improving this process. This study seeks to explore and analyze the sources and methods employed for data collection and management in the supplier selection process within the construction industry, aiming to identify existing challenges in current practices and assess the potential of modern technologies to optimize this process.

Methodology:

This is an applied research study that employed a survey methodology. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of both closed-ended and open-ended questions, primarily using a five-point Likert scale. The survey was distributed to 328 contractors who were certified by the Iranian Plan and Budget Organization.

Findings:

The research findings indicated that traditional information sources such as former customer feedback (87%) and project staff interviews (83%), which rely heavily on individual judgment, continue to be the most commonly used methods for supplier evaluation. The analysis of data collection methods showed that although electronic forms (63%) are becoming more prevalent, traditional methods like telephone calls (84%) and paper-based forms (52%) still dominate. A significant portion of respondents highlighted challenges such as low data accuracy (42%), untimely information (54%), distrust in supplier-provided data (59%), insufficient access to supplier performance records (44%), public databases (85%), and modern information tools (79%).

Conclusion:

The results of this study revealed that modern information tools, despite their potential impact on decision-making, are not widely used due to limited accessibility and the lack of adequate infrastructure. However, the utilization of digital forms and the growing attention to modern information sources, such as company profiles on online platforms, indicate a promising trend toward embracing digital information resources and modern data collection methods. The findings also emphasize the necessity of establishing independent mechanisms for data validation and enhancing access to historical information about suppliers.
Keywords
Supplier Evaluation
IT Tools
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Supplier Selection
Construction Industry
Performance Data
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