Offsite Evolution: Do we Really Understand the Potential Impact of Technology on Industry 5.0?

Offsite Manufacturing (OSM) has repeatedly been extoled as a panacea solution for addressing ‘traditional’ construction challenges – ergo: time, quality and cost. However, it is posited here that there are grounds to challenge this preconception, particularly from a technology perspective, given industry’s need to align to Industry 5.0. Arguably (and somewhat contentiously), the industry is still in the process of trying to understand the concepts underpinning Industry 4.0. Thus, in order to understand this perceived disparity, this research used the antecedents from CIB’s Offsite Production and Manufacturing research roadmap (TG74 – publication 372) produced in 2013 as a starting point for discussion. The initial “people-process-technology” constructs were evaluated to establish a starting trajectory. These were subsequently revisited for current/future use - cognisant of the need to align technology-related issues to Industry 5.0. Focus was placed on organisational transition, especially the impact of technology on production, resources and circularity; including the wider societal impact (generational needs, expectations and growth). The research methodological approach adopted used purposive OSM-specific literature, which was synthesised and pattern-matched to confirm the focus and direction of travel. The findings from this were then cross-examined with domain experts using two semi-structured questionnaires and three focus group sessions. The collective findings of primary data was then critiqued, codified and validated against ‘technology maturity readiness’ indicators to highlight organisational priorities and future transition pathways to Industry 5.0.