Impact of configuration systems on quality. A longitudinal case study in the construction industry

This paper addresses a critical gap in construction management research by investigating the role of configuration systems in improving the quality of construction specifications, such as bills of materials and drawings, which are essential for efficient construction processes. While configuration systems have been widely studied in manufacturing as digital enablers of mass customization, their impact on the construction industry—particularly in reducing specification errors—remains underexplored. Using a longitudinal case study of 18 customized projects at a Swedish construction firm over a five-year period, this research provides the first empirical evidence in the construction industry that demonstrates how configuration systems can significantly reduce specification errors, from 51% without their use to just 1%. These improvements not only enhance specification accuracy but also streamline production processes, making them more consistent and efficient. The study’s findings offer practical insights into how configuration systems can support customization and operational scalability while maintaining high-quality control, especially for firms engaged in modular and off-site construction. The research emphasizes the importance of adopting these systems to improve production efficiency and reduce costly errors, contributing to both academic literature and industry practices.