Improving Information Sharing in Offsite Construction (OSC): A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Recently, the adoption of offsite construction (OSC) has been gaining prominence in the building industry due to its unmatched efficiency, quality, and eco-friendliness. Despite its numerous advantages, OSC faces significant hurdles, notably the challenge of inadequate information sharing among stakeholders, which compounds other issues. While acknowledging its importance and challenges, researchers have predominantly focused on different aspects of OSC. Therefore, this study aims to systematically explore key aspects of information sharing in OSC, identify barriers, and propose strategies for improvement. By analyzing 53 articles published between 2013 and 2024, we found that most studies originated from developed countries, and almost 83% were published in the last 5 years. A thematic analysis revealed various information needs across project stages, from market analysis to safety protocols. Moreover, it uncovered factors hindering stakeholder communication and collaboration, including fragmented supply chains, inconsistent standards, and communication barriers. This paper discusses strategies to improve information sharing and proposes a conceptual framework to guide stakeholders in improving information sharing within OSC projects.