SMApps in construction encounter several challenges. Construction professionals’ fear of change and the need for technology adoption are important issues. Many professionals may favour conventional ways but must learn modern technologies [18] [25] . Limitations include software system and process integration issues. Construction projects generally use many software platforms, making integration and collaboration difficult. Software and platform compatibility difficulties hamper integration [26] . Data privacy and security are major concerns when employing cloud-based systems in building projects. Due to its sensitivity and privacy, project details must be kept secret. Strong security measures must be taken to ease these concerns [27] [28] . Training and upskilling workers is another issue. Construction workers need training in new technologies and tools. Training programmes and resources are needed [29] [30] . The cost of implementing and maintaining SMApps is another issue. Construction organisations must balance the financial risks and benefits of adopting new technologies [10] [23] . Some construction organisations, especially small-to-medium enterprises in developing nations, lack effective information technology (IT) departments, which has slowed the adoption of these technologies [31] . Different SMApps have additional limits and issues. For instance, AR-based smartphone apps for excavation and earthmoving processes may need better visualisation of excavator actions [32] [33] . The construction industry faces reluctance to change, integration issues, data security and privacy concerns, training and upskilling needs, and cost issues while utilising SMApps. These challenges must be overcome to deploy and adopt cutting-edge construction technology [34] .

Construction companies are embracing and using SMApps to boost efficiency. This technology improves productivity, information flow, cooperation, project execution, and data access [12] [18] . Design and drawing, measurement and estimate, and construction site management include mobile apps [20] . Technological advancements in construction include cloud-based communication, BIM, CM Software, AR/VR, 3D printing, AI, Big Data, IoT, Blockchain, Modular Construction, Offsite Manufacturing, Prefabrication, Robotics, Drones, and Mobile Apps [25] . Research in New Zealand shows that construction workers like smartphone apps. Construction managers want to use apps for long-term customer relationship management and project productivity [22] . In Ghana, [35] examined the awareness and use of construction-related smart mobile device apps, suggesting they can help construction management experts increase production efficiency. According to [23] , software and licensing costs still prevent the construction industry from adopting mobile app technology. Despite these obstacles, SMApps can boost construction productivity [36] . Construction personnel should be aware of new technologies, be trained, and have organisational policies to address difficulties.

This study uses several theoretical frameworks to examine how software and mobile applications (SMApps) affect construction productivity. The Resource-Based View [14] states that SMApps improve efficiency by improving cooperation, communication, and information flow [9] [10] [37] . Diffusion of Innovations theory exposes characteristics of technology adoption, helping us understand construction companies’ SMApp challenges and facilitators. The Technology Acceptance Model can assess SMApps’ usability and utility from building experts’ perspectives [38] . SMApps’ ability to speed up operations and reduce inefficiencies matches Lean Construction’s focus on waste reduction and process optimisation [11] . This research combines these theoretical strands to understand the factors that promote or hinder SMApps in the construction sector and improve their productivity-boosting potential.

According to [40] , these phases aim to clarify and link the aim and research question and balance feasibility with the breadth and exhaustiveness of the scoping process. The study was guided by the primary research question: What is the state of technology application of software and mobile apps? What is its impact on productivity in construction sectors and countries? After generating the question, a strategy was planned with targeted databases and predetermined search terms. For this study, the relevant sources included were Emerald Insight (598), IEEE Xplore (1), and Google Scholar (1860). In addition, the search terminologies or phrases used were “software and mobile apps to improve productivity in the construction industry’’, “software”, “mobile apps”, “productivity”, and “construction industry”.

During this phase of the scoping review, an iterative team approach is used in selecting studies and extracting analysis [40] . Inclusion and exclusion criteria were generated after constructing the guiding question and strategy. The inclusion criteria were studies focused on SMApps for productivity improvement in the construction industry; studies published between 2013 and 2023; peer-reviewed journal articles and other relevant reports and websites; and journals of origin in developed and developing countries (i.e., globally).

Extremely old studies (i.e., studies published before the stated years) or whose abstract did not correlate with the paper’s content or on SMApps for productivity improvement were excluded. The search resulted in 2604 articles and abstracts that were identified through electronic databases Emerald Insight (598), ScienceDirect (145), IEEE Xplore (1), and Google Scholar (1860). One hundred duplicate articles were eliminated, and 2433 literature sources needed to meet the provision within the inclusion criteria were also set aside. After screening, 71 articles were selected to be used for the review. The initial 71 articles were chosen based on titles, abstracts, and keywords, which suggested their potential relevance to the research question. A more in-depth examination through full-text review revealed that 41 of the 71 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria upon closer inspection. Following the full-text review, 30 articles remained that demonstrated a solid connection between SMApps and construction industry productivity improvement. These 30 articles were used for the final evaluation and analysis of this study.

To incorporate a numerical summary and identify the implications of various studies for practice or research, these phases are needed to perform the scoping review [40] . To assist with the charting of data, collating and summarising of data, a table in MS Excel was created, and information extracted from the articles and reports were summarised under the following headings in the table: author (s), date of publication, title, aim and objectives, scope, and summary of findings. However, due to the lack of space in this paper, only the findings gleaned from the table are presented in Table A1 in the appendix, not the table itself.

The construction sector has witnessed a boost in efficiency and productivity due to the successful integration of mobile applications and software. These technologies offered various benefits, such as increased efficiency, enhanced communication, and ease of working. By employing these tools, construction industry personnel can get more ease of use, productivity, and efficiency [25] . Using mobile device applications (Apps) in construction operations and tasks is effective. These Apps can be categorised into different groups based on their uses, such as design and drawing Apps, measurement and estimation Apps, and management Apps [18] .

The development of mobile application systems specifically designed for construction site communication has shown promise in improving project participants’ efficiency and speeding up project delivery. These systems facilitate communication between home office employees, field office staff, and mobile users at construction sites, enhancing collaboration and information sharing [12] . Adopting and implementing these SMApps can significantly improve productivity in the construction industry. SMApps that have improved productivity in the construction industry are listed in Table 1, and their key features and functions are discussed below.

Source: Authors literature review, 2023.

The findings of the SMApps in Table 1 were found to improve the visualisation, coordination, and clash detection in construction projects, leading to increased efficiency and reduced errors. They allow for real-time collaboration and document management, enhancing communication and productivity on construction sites. BIM-AR integration improves task efficiency by streamlining data recovery during construction. Mobile apps and cloud-based platforms enable on-the-go access to project information, facilitating better coordination and decision-making. 3D printing technology enables rapid prototyping and construction of complex structures, reducing time and costs. Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances project visualisation, coordination, and clash detection, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Digital Twins enable real-time monitoring and analysis of construction projects, optimising performance and maintenance. CAD CAM streamlines design and manufacturing processes, improving accuracy and efficiency. Augmented Reality (AR) enhances visualisation and communication, enabling better understanding and decision-making. Virtual Reality (VR) provides immersive experiences for design review and training, improving collaboration and productivity. The EAR app allows users to navigate a 360-degree tracked hydraulic excavator, providing operators with a realistic and immersive experience. AR enhances the scheduling aspect of construction projects by showing an as-planned vs. an as-built form, allowing visualisation of progress. BIM-AR integration improves task efficiency by enhancing the process of data recovery during construction.

These apps and software functions include accessing and sharing project information, viewing and marking up drawings, tracking project progress, managing documents and RFIs, and communicating with team members. They facilitate collaborative working environments, advanced project monitoring and control systems, and information management, improving infrastructure project productivity. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and BIM maximises productivity in the construction industry. IoT and BIM optimise the information flow, energy efficiency, security and safety, and planning, managing, and monitoring of resources in construction projects. Various BIM software options, such as ArchiCAD, Vico, Bentley, and Tekla, offer BIM modelling, scheduling, communication, and collaboration features, enhancing construction industry productivity.

AR and VR technologies are used for construction project scheduling, progress tracking, worker training, safety management, time and cost management, quality and defects management, and visualisation. Embedding sustainability strategies through SMApps can improve the competitive advantage of construction organisations. Cloud-based solutions enable real-time collaboration, data integration, and remote access to project information, facilitating efficient communication and decision-making. 3D printing technology, such as 3DPrinterOS, allows for remote management and monitoring of 3D printers, enhancing productivity and optimization. Mapping platforms like Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, Carto, and Mapbox enable users to upload and analyse spatial data, improving efficiency in construction projects. Project management tools like Trello and note-taking apps like Evernote help organise tasks, collaborate with team members, and store and retrieve information, enhancing productivity in the construction industry. Augmenting productivity and efficiency in the construction industry, advanced large language models (LLM) can produce content that closely resembles that of humans. The construction sector’s collaboration, communication, visualisation, and efficiency are all improved by the functions and features of these applications and software.

SMApps boost construction productivity in several ways. Real-time access to project documents and information improves cooperation and eliminates delays. Team members can improve collaboration and reduce errors by streamlining communication and task management. Superior document management and version control ensure that all stakeholders have the newest information [18] . Technology allows real-time team communication and collaboration, raising productivity. Project information is accessible on the go, increasing coordination and decision-making. It also speeds up complex structure prototyping and construction, saving time and money. Technological advances in project visualisation, coordination, and collision detection boost efficiency and reduce errors [25] . Real-time construction project monitoring and analysis optimises performance and upkeep. Technology streamlines design and manufacturing, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. It improves communication and visualisation, comprehension, and decision-making. It also enhances collaboration and productivity with immersive design review and training [25] . Specific technologies like AR and BIM have specific benefits. AR improves excavation and earthmoving productivity by improving operator efficiency and accuracy. It also helps schedule building projects by providing an as-planned vs. as-built form, which improves work efficiency and visibility. By improving construction data recovery, BIM-AR integration boosts work efficiency. BIM tools and mobile apps improve communication, collaboration, project management, and decision-making, boosting productivity. BIM tools and mobile apps enable collaborative working environments, advanced project monitoring and control systems, and information management, improving infrastructure project productivity. BIM tools enhance design and engineering decisions and speed on-site progress by coordinating and communicating all design and engineering disciplines on a virtual BIM platform, improving productivity. BIM-FM systems improve facility management task efficiency, while BPD increases system reusability. Multi-scale BIM models improve the management of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems [27] [42] [43] . Srivastava et al. postulate that Mobile apps and technologies have increased construction productivity and efficiency [10] . Mobile apps and software provide real-time communication, information access, and plan and schedule changes, improving construction site productivity. IoT and BIM improve information flow, energy efficiency, security and safety, resource planning, management, monitoring, and productivity [10] . Cloud computing can boost construction efficiency by integrating BIM, IoT, VR/AR, and big data analytics. This improves project time, resource use, and performance. Using SMApps to improve 3D printing productivity can increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and promote user collaboration. Technology improves construction productivity, profitability, efficiency, safety, and security. It improves resource management, coordination, and collaboration and cuts errors and rework. Technology improves construction project visualisation, simulation, accuracy, efficiency, automation, and time and cost savings. Technology helps construction organisations modernise, digitise, and improve project management, increasing efficiency and success.

Mobile apps and technologies have greatly enhanced construction productivity. Construction applications are divided into design and drawing, measurement and estimate, and administration apps [18] . These apps boost construction workers’ productivity, efficiency, and comfort. Mobile computing solutions, including enhanced cellular bandwidth and data sharing, have improved construction project stakeholder integration and information flow [24] . The most popular construction apps are cloud-based project collaboration and management tools [23] . Mobile, web-based quality management software has improved productivity, quality, and owner satisfaction in large construction enterprises [27] . Construction workers use mobile devices more to communicate and work [44] . The scoping review showed that 71 software and mobile Apps in Table 1 demonstrate how SMApps can improve construction communication, collaboration, project management, and estimating, increasing efficiency and productivity.

The study found that construction stakeholders face many challenges when implementing and adopting new technologies with SMApps. These challenges were broadly categorised into human resources, technological, and security concerns.

Human resource challenges include resistance to change from established workflows, a lack of training and upskilling among the workforce, and the need for cultural shifts towards embracing digital technologies. Studies by [32] and [10] highlight the lack of training as a significant hurdle, while [27] emphasise the need for change management to address resistance. Similarly, [45] argues that technological challenges encompass integration issues with existing software systems, data incompatibility between different platforms, and the complexity of on-site data retrieval. Software issues like compatibility and interoperability are mentioned by [46] and [25] , while [47] and [48] point to the challenges of retrieving data on construction sites. Finally, security concerns are paramount when dealing with cloud-based platforms and sensitive project information. Data security and privacy are major concerns highlighted by [18] and [33] , requiring robust IT infrastructure and industry-wide standards. These challenges pose significant barriers to the widespread adoption of SMApps in construction. Addressing them through targeted training programs, fostering a culture of innovation, implementing secure cloud platforms, and ensuring software compatibility will be crucial for successfully integrating SMApps and achieving the promised benefits of improved productivity and streamlined workflows.

Complex construction projects are known for inefficiencies and communication issues. Luckily, new software and mobile apps streamline procedures, improve collaboration, and improve project efficiency. Table 2 groups these technologies into five groups and highlights their research-backed benefits. Autodesk BIM 360 and Procore lead project management with real-time collaboration, document management, and issue monitoring [9] [10] . Reduced errors, better communication, and streamlined project execution results. Fieldwire and PlanGrid improve efficiency by managing tasks and providing real-time project data [17] [18] . Design and visualisation tools reduce errors and improve project outcomes. Building Information Modelling (BIM) software improves coordination and clash detection by creating digital project representations [1] [2] . AR improves visualisation and training by overlaying digital information in the real world [4] [45] . VR improves design review and training by creating immersive experiences that reduce errors and improve decision-making [3] [46] . Collaboration and communication are key to project success. Mobile internet technology (M-Internet) speeds up information interchange [15] [21] . In prefabricated building projects, blockchain-enabled Cyber-physical Site Management Systems (BCSMS) improve transparency and collaboration [23] [24] . PlanGrid simplifies project cooperation and communication, reducing errors and improving teamwork [9] [10] . All building projects aim for productivity and efficiency. Mobile automated BIM-FM systems improve facility management data transfer and work efficiency, minimising mistakes and improving building performance [11] [36] . BIM Perspective Definition (BPD) improves productivity, waste reduction, and optimisation by increasing design system reusability [12] [13] . Activity monitoring software tracks and analyses worker performance, reducing downtime, improving resource allocation, and improving safety [4] [45] . Rapid prototyping and fabrication of complicated structures using 3D printing saves time and money and increases design flexibility [1] [2] . PDF mark-up and collaboration tool Bluebeam Revu improves communication, document control, and error reduction [3] [46] . Finally, cloud-based communication and collaboration technologies provide real-time team communication and collaboration, improving efficiency, error reduction, and decision-making [15] [21] . The supporting data shows that innovative software and mobile apps can transform the construction business. These tools promote collaboration, communication, design, workflows, and worker productivity. These technologies can help construction companies deliver projects on schedule, under budget, and to the highest standards, as indicated in Table 2.

Source: authors literature review, 2023

Construction suffers from low productivity compared to other sectors [1] . However, SMApps offer significant advantages in addressing this challenge [2] . The study identified five areas in which SMApps can be beneficial.

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: SMApps facilitate real-time communication and information sharing among stakeholders, reducing delays caused by misunderstandings and improving coordination [3] [4] [5] . Cloud-based platforms centralise project information, ensuring everyone can access the latest documents and plans [6] [7] [8] . This fosters better collaboration and teamwork, leading to more efficient problem-solving and decision-making [9] [10] .

Improved Task Management and Streamlined Workflows: SMApps provide tools for task management, scheduling, and progress tracking, enabling efficient workflow management [11] [12] [13] . Automated notifications and reminders keep teams on track and ensure timely completion of tasks [15] [16] . This streamlines construction processes and reduces rework caused by missed deadlines or misunderstandings.

Real-time Visibility and Improved Decision-Making: SMApps offer real-time access to project data and analytics, allowing for informed decision-making throughout the construction lifecycle [17] [18] [19] . This empowers construction managers to proactively identify and address issues, preventing costly delays and rework [20] [21] .

Enhanced Information Management and Accessibility: SMApps provide centralised storage for project documents, drawings, and other essential information [22] . This eliminates the need for physical document management and ensures everyone can access the latest information, reducing errors and improving accuracy [23] [24] .

Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs: By improving communication, collaboration, task management, and information access, SMApps can significantly enhance construction productivity [25] [26] . This translates to faster completion times, reduced labour costs, and improved project outcomes [27] [28] .

SMApps offer many advantages for improving productivity in the construction industry. From enhanced communication and collaboration to improved task management and real-time data access, SMApps empower construction professionals to streamline workflows, make informed decisions, and reduce project costs.

The evaluation identified five themes of utilising SMApps to increase construction industry productivity. A list of specific SMApps, as well as an analysis of the efficacy and advantages of these technologies within the industry, instances of successful implementation, obstacles and constraints, are encompassed within these themes. The results emphasise that these technologies provide many advantages, including heightened productivity, improved correspondence, and simplified tasks. They increase productivity and decrease errors by enhancing construction project coordination, visualisation, and clash detection. Additionally, they facilitate mobile access to project information, document administration, make informed decisions, and real-time collaboration. Productivity is enhanced in distinctive ways by technologies such as building information modelling (BIM) and augmented reality (AR). However, their application is not without its difficulties and restrictions. The study found that construction stakeholders face many challenges when implementing and adopting new technologies with SMApps, such as human resources and technological and security concerns. These challenges can be addressed through targeted training programs, fostering a culture of innovation, implementing secure cloud platforms, and ensuring software compatibility. This will be crucial for successfully integrating SMApps and achieving the promised benefits of improved productivity substantially and streamlined workflows in the construction industry.