What are the disadvantages of using an integrated project delivery method?

1 Legal complexity

One of the main challenges of IPD is the legal complexity of the contracts and agreements among the parties. IPD requires a high level of trust and transparency, as well as a shared responsibility for the project performance and outcomes. This means that the traditional roles and liabilities of the owner, the architect, and the contractor are blurred and modified. Therefore, IPD requires a careful drafting and negotiation of the contracts and agreements, which can be time-consuming, costly, and subject to disputes and litigation.

2 Cultural shift

Another disadvantage of IPD is the cultural shift that it demands from the participants. IPD requires a change in mindset and behavior from the conventional adversarial and siloed approach to construction management. IPD requires a collaborative and integrated culture, where the parties share information, resources, ideas, and risks. This can be challenging for some participants, who may be reluctant to give up their autonomy, control, or competitive advantage. Therefore, IPD requires a strong leadership, communication, and training to foster a culture of trust, respect, and alignment.

3 Selection criteria

A third drawback of IPD is the selection criteria for the participants. IPD requires a careful and early selection of the parties who will be involved in the project. IPD requires that the parties have the appropriate skills, experience, and compatibility to work together in a collaborative and integrated manner. This can limit the pool of potential candidates and reduce the competitive bidding process. Therefore, IPD requires a clear and fair selection criteria and process, as well as a due diligence and verification of the qualifications and references of the candidates.

4 Scope creep

A fourth disadvantage of IPD is the risk of scope creep. Scope creep is the unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of the project scope, which can result in increased costs, delays, and conflicts. IPD can increase the likelihood of scope creep, as it encourages innovation and flexibility in the design and delivery of the project. IPD can also make it difficult to define and manage the project scope, as it involves multiple parties with different interests and expectations. Therefore, IPD requires a rigorous and consistent scope management process, as well as a clear and agreed-upon change control mechanism.

5 Technology dependence

A fifth disadvantage of IPD is the dependence on technology. IPD relies heavily on technology to enable the collaboration and integration of the parties. IPD uses tools such as building information modeling (BIM), cloud computing, and digital platforms to facilitate the sharing of information, coordination of activities, and monitoring of performance. However, technology can also pose challenges and risks for IPD, such as compatibility issues, security breaches, data loss, or system failures. Therefore, IPD requires a robust and reliable technology infrastructure, as well as a contingency plan and backup system.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?