Causal loop analysis for smart production precast: balancing productivity and sustainability with digital technologies
Keywords:
Smart production precast, Causal loop analysis, Sustainable constructionAbstract
Indonesia’s precast concrete industry plays a crucial role in infrastructure development. National capacity reached 41 million tons in 2019 and stabilized at around 26 million tons annually in the post-pandemic period, while the Ministry of Public Works and Housing projects growing demand for precast to support National Strategic Projects (RPJMN), including the Indonesia New Capital City and major housing programs. This study uses causal loop analysis to examine interactions among six domains: technology adoption, productivity, cost, quality, human resources, and sustainability in smart precast production. Data were collected from three precast companies and interviews with 25 industry professionals. The causal loop diagram identifies two reinforcing and three balancing loops. BIM and IoT adoption increased productivity by 18% and profit margins by 12%, encouraging further digital investment. Digital Twin implementation reduced defect rates from 8% to 5%, improving client satisfaction and generating 10–15% demand growth. However, balancing loops emerge from high upfront investment (IDR 15–20 billion per plant), limited digital proficiency (40% of the workforce), and a 12% rise in energy-related carbon emissions. These results indicate key leverage points in phased adoption, workforce upskilling, and AI-enabled energy monitoring.
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