Manuel Martinez & Raimar Scherer 
eWork and eBusiness in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. ECPPM 2006 [PDF ebook] 
European Conference on Product and Process Modelling 2006 (ECPPM 2006), Valencia, Spain, 13-15 September 2006

The task of structuring information on built environment has presented challenges to the research community, software developers and the industry for the last 20 years. Recent work has taken advantage of Web and industry standards such as XML, OWL, IFC and STEP. Another important technology for the fragmented AEC industry is digital communication. Wired or wireless, it brings together architects, engineers and construction site workers, enabling them to exchange information, communicate and work together. Virtual enterprise organization structures, involving mobile teams over distance, are highly compatible with the needs of the construction industry.