The Status Quo: Digitalization Gap and Communication Chaos
Although 93% of construction companies want to invest in digitalization, the industry is lagging behind other sectors. One reason is often the insufficient acceptance of new software among employees. Daily communication through countless WhatsApp groups leads to an information chaos where important instructions and photos are lost. This unstructured approach costs up to 2 hours of working time each day due to searching and asking questions. The consequences are not only losses in efficiency but also a lack of a solid foundation for legally compliant construction documentation as required by the HOAI. With the right digital tools for tradespeople , this gap can be closed. This situation underscores the urgent need for solutions that seamlessly integrate into daily operations.
Legally compliant construction documentation: From obligation to automated routine
The performance phase 8 of the HOAI requires comprehensive documentation of the construction process but leaves the method open. In practice, this often results in enormous manual effort with camera, notebook and hours of rework in the office. A construction documentation app reduces this effort by up to 75% per operation. Digital assistants on the construction site allow photos, notes and voice messages to be captured securely on-site and automatically assigned to the correct construction diary. All data is stored centrally and immutably with timestamp and location information. This turns a tedious obligation into a simple, automated process that provides the basis for a photo documentation app for construction . The structured collection is the first step towards complete control over the construction progress.
Increased efficiency in core processes through digital assistants
Digital assistants on the construction site optimize central workflows such as defect management and time tracking. Instead of reporting defects cumbersome via email or phone, they can be recorded directly with a photo, geolocated and assigned to a responsible party. This accelerates resolution by an average of 50%. The digital recording of working hours and services eliminates error-prone paperwork and ensures correct and timely payroll and project calculation. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
- Time savings: Reduction of administrative effort by several hours per week.
- Error reduction: Avoidance of transfer errors through direct digital input.
- Transparency: Real-time overview of the status of defects and tasks for all parties involved.
- Acceleration: Faster response times and shorter cycles in the defect process.
These tools for construction managers not only increase productivity but also create space for the essential tasks of construction management. The optimization of individual processes leads to better overall project performance.
Overcoming hurdles: Multilingualism and ease of use
One of the biggest challenges in adopting new technologies is acceptance within the team. Complex software with long onboarding times often fails due to employee resistance. Additionally, language barriers on international construction sites pose a significant risk for misunderstandings and errors. Valoon addresses both problems by utilizing WhatsApp – an app already used daily by 95% of employees. Instructions and documentation can be entered via voice in the native language and are automatically translated into the target language of other project participants. This approach makes the digitalization of the construction industry accessible and eliminates the need for training. When the technology is simple, it is also utilized.
The paperless construction site as a strategic advantage
The path to the paperless construction site is more than just an ecological statement; it is a crucial competitive advantage. By centralizing all documents, plans, and photos digitally, access to information is revolutionized. Instead of digging through folders, all relevant data is available with a click – in the office and on the construction site. This improves collaboration and speeds up decision-making processes by at least 30%. A digital and searchable project history is invaluable for warranty issues or disputes. Companies that digitalize their construction sites position themselves as modern and attractive employers, which is a key factor in the fight for the 300,000 missing skilled workers. Thus, digital transformation is an investment in the future viability of the entire company.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
The use of intelligent digital assistants on the construction site is the key to overcoming the current challenges of the industry. Valoon offers a straightforward and practical solution that tackles the problems where they arise: in daily communication and documentation. By utilizing WhatsApp as a base, we guarantee maximum acceptance with no training effort. You receive comprehensive, legally compliant documentation, accelerate your processes, and save valuable time and costs. Take the crucial step and turn your smartphone into the most efficient tool on your construction site. Book your free demo now and experience how easy digitalization can be.
More Links
de.digital provides a comprehensive overview of the digitalization index for Germany and the status of digitalization in various fields.
Fraunhofer IESE presents a detailed study on digitalization in the construction industry.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes an article on the digitalization potential in construction activity statistics.
PwC provides a press release about a study on the construction industry 2023 that highlights digitalization and sustainability.
Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) presents its position paper on digitalization in the construction sector.
BIM Germany answers frequently asked questions about Building Information Modeling (BIM).
BG Bau publishes an article on their construction portal about the digitalization of occupational safety.
Planning Building 4.0 serves as a platform for digitalization in construction.
FAQ
Will my employees on the construction site have to pay for Valoon?
No, for employees on the construction site, the use of Valoon via WhatsApp is completely free. Costs only arise for users of the office software who manage and analyze the data.
Is documentation with Valoon really legally compliant?
Yes. All data sent to Valoon via WhatsApp, such as photos, videos, texts, and voice messages, are timestamped and securely stored in the digital construction file. This meets the legal requirements for comprehensive construction documentation.
Does Valoon work without an internet connection on the construction site?
WhatsApp buffers messages when no internet connection is available. Once your employee has a signal again, all recorded data is automatically sent to the system and documented. No information is lost.
What languages does the automatic translation support?
Valoon supports a variety of languages to facilitate communication in international teams. You can obtain the exact list of available languages in a personal demo.
How quickly can I start with Valoon?
You can get started in just a few minutes. The setup is incredibly simple: you create a project and add your employees via their phone numbers. Since everyone already knows WhatsApp, no training or onboarding is necessary.
Can I test Valoon for free?
Yes, you can experience Valoon and all its features in a free and non-binding demo. Simply book an appointment on our website.
