7.
0 Challenges in Software Adoption
(Approx. 2 pages, with APA 7th edition in-text citations)
The construction industry continues to experience a gradual shift toward digital tools, yet many
quantity surveyors in both developed and developing countries still face obstacles in adopting
cost estimation software. These challenges are technical, organizational, financial, and
educational. Understanding these barriers is critical to devising strategies that support broader
software integration in quantity surveying practice.
7.1 High Cost of Software Acquisition and Licensing
Professional cost estimation software like CostX, Candy, WinQS, and PlanSwift comes with
significant upfront costs and recurring licensing fees. Small and medium-sized consulting firms
often lack the budget to purchase and sustain these tools. Perera et al. (2020) identified financial
constraints as the top reason limiting software adoption among small QS firms in Asia and
Africa. Additionally, firms may be reluctant to invest in tools that require periodic upgrades and
compatibility renewals.
7.2 Limited Technical Skills Among Professionals
Many practicing quantity surveyors were trained in traditional methods and have limited
exposure to digital tools. Transitioning to software-based estimation demands new skills,
including digital takeoff, database use, integration with CAD, and sometimes programming
logic. A study by Eadie et al. (2013) found that over 40% of QS professionals in the UK cited
lack of skills and confidence as the reason for not using software consistently. In Nigeria,
Babalola et al. (2019) reported that only 27% of surveyed QS professionals had received formal
training in cost estimation software.
7.3 Resistance to Change in Organizational Culture
Firms often resist changing established workflows. Senior professionals may prefer manual
systems because they are familiar, controllable, and perceived as more accurate. This
conservative mindset creates friction when introducing new technologies, even if junior staff are
digitally literate. According to Oyediran and Akintola (2011), cultural resistance is one of the
slowest barriers to overcome in construction ICT adoption, especially in professional service
environments like quantity surveying.
7.4 Inadequate ICT Infrastructure
In many developing countries, QS firms lack access to the basic infrastructure needed to support
software-based estimation. These include stable electricity, high-speed internet, and up-to-date
computers. Without this infrastructure, even licensed software becomes underutilized. Olatunji
(2011) observed that over 50% of QS firms in Nigeria faced routine power or network failures
that interrupted digital workflows. Such technical instability discourages investment in costly
software.
7.5 Limited Software Customization for Local Markets
Most leading cost estimation tools are developed outside Africa, with default settings tailored to
international standards, currencies, and measurement units. Adapting them to local contexts
requires additional setup, which many users are not equipped to handle. Moreover, local
construction rates, materials, and procurement systems are often not preloaded into these tools,
reducing their usefulness. Olugboyega and Aina (2019) pointed out that Nigerian users
frequently have to rebuild entire rate libraries from scratch to align with local market practices.
7.6 Data Security and Trust Concerns
Storing sensitive cost data on digital platforms raises concerns about data security, intellectual
property theft, and software reliability. Firms that handle large or confidential projects worry
about system failures or cyber-attacks that could compromise project integrity. This risk
perception, even when unproven, slows down adoption. According to Rahman et al. (2014), 35%
of surveyed firms in Southeast Asia cited data trust issues as a barrier to full implementation of
cloud-based cost estimation tools.
7.7 Lack of Institutional Mandates or Industry Standards
In many countries, there are no formal mandates from professional bodies requiring or
recommending software use. Without regulatory or institutional pressure, many firms
deprioritize software adoption. Oyediran and Odusami (2005) found that ICT adoption in
Nigerian construction was heavily influenced by institutional policies. In contrast, industries that
enforce digital tools through codes or tender documentation see much faster uptake.
7.8 Limited Availability of Local Training Providers
Even when firms wish to adopt software, finding qualified trainers or support in their region is a
challenge. Most training is concentrated in major urban centers or available only through
international providers. This creates a skills bottleneck that slows software deployment. As
Perera et al. (2020) noted, successful software integration depends not only on tool availability
but also on consistent access to capacity-building programs.
Conclusion
The challenges to software adoption in cost estimation are multi-layered. While some are
financial or infrastructural, others are attitudinal and systemic. Overcoming these barriers will
require a combination of investment, policy intervention, training, and cultural change. Without
addressing these root issues, even the best software tools will fail to improve QS productivity on
a wide scale.
References
Babalola, O., Ayegba, F., & Ogunsemi, D. (2019). Software usage in cost estimation practice: A
study of quantity surveyors in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Sciences and
Technology, 3(1), 95–104.
Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C., & McNiff, S. (2013). BIM implementation
throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis. Automation in Construction, 36,
145–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.09.001
Olatunji, O. A. (2011). The impact of ICT on professional quantity surveying practice in Nigeria.
Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 16, 159–173.
Olugboyega, O., & Aina, O. (2019). The challenges of cost estimating software adaptation to
local construction practices in Nigeria. Construction Economics and Building, 19(4), 65–79.
Oyediran, O. S., & Akintola, A. A. (2011). A survey of the state of the art of e-Tendering in
Nigeria. Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 45(1), 1–13.
Rahman, H., Abdul, H., & Wang, C. (2014). The role of technology acceptance model in
explaining the adoption of costing software among quantity surveyors. Australasian Journal of
Construction Economics and Building, 14(1), 1–12.
Ready for Section 8.0: Strategies to Maximize Software Benefits?
