The status quo: Why the construction industry is lagging behind in digitalization
The Digitalization Index 2024 paints a clear picture: The construction industry, with an index value of 67.6, ranks last in Germany. While other sectors have long integrated digital processes, many construction companies are still struggling with analog isolated solutions. The consequences are severe: information silos between the office and the construction site, delayed decisions, and a lack of transparent data, which 81% of companies perceive as a problem according to a PwC study. The lack of continuous process digitalization is the industry’s biggest weakness. This inefficiency leads not only to construction delays but also results in significant costs that are hardly bearable in an environment characterized by price pressure. The need for a central Construction project management software is therefore no longer an option but a strategic necessity for future success.
Legal certainty as a foundation: The role of VOB-compliant documentation
Incomplete documentation is more than just an annoyance; it poses a significant financial risk. The Construction Contract Procedures (VOB) mandate detailed documentation such as daily construction reports, measurements, and acceptance protocols. If these documents are missing or incomplete, cuts in the final invoice are often the consequence. Proper construction documentation serves as evidence of correctly executed work and protects against legal issues in disputes. A digital, cloud-based storage solution ensures that all parties have access to the same current information at any time and from anywhere. This not only minimizes misunderstandings but also creates a robust basis for fully enforcing payment claims. A good software for effective construction management is thus an investment in the financial security of every project.
Core functions of modern software: More than just digital storage
A powerful project management software for construction consolidates all relevant processes onto a single platform and covers every phase of construction. It is the digital memory of the project and ensures smooth operations. Essential features include:
- Digital construction file: All plans, protocols, reports, and photos are stored in a central location and are always retrievable, which reduces search time by over 50%.
- Automated reporting: Construction diaries and other protocols are created directly on-site using templates and sent to the distribution list with a click, which cuts administrative workload by hours.
- Professional defect management: Defects are documented on-site with photos, plan markers, and comments, assigned to a responsible person, and tracked.
- Task overview and construction schedule: A flexible Gantt chart provides a perfect overview of deadlines, tasks, and dependencies, which supports the optimization of the construction process. GDPR-compliant communication:
- DSGVO-konforme Kommunikation: Integrated messaging services ensure that all agreements are documented securely and traceably, unlike private WhatsApp chats.
This bundling of features ensures that information is no longer lost and project management becomes more efficient.
The bridge between construction site and office: Mobile and language barrier-free solutions
The biggest challenge of digitalization is acceptance on the construction site. Complex new apps often face resistance. The key lies in simplicity: Valoon integrates directly with WhatsApp, a tool already used by over 95% of employees. This allows photos, voice notes, and texts to be documented directly and legally securely in the project without any training effort. An offline function is crucial, as a stable internet connection is not always available on construction sites. Another hurdle in international teams is language barriers. Modern software solutions offer a live translation function that enables seamless communication between all parties in over 20 languages. This makes the mobile project management app the universal tool for every team member.
Future-proof: Cloud technology and BIM integration
The future of construction is digital and connected. Cloud technologies are a critical factor, as 81% of construction companies see it as one of the greatest potentials for further development. They enable real-time access to project data, whether from the office PC or the tablet on-site. At the same time, regulatory pressure is increasing: The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been mandatory for public construction projects with a volume of €0.5 million since 2025. By 2027, all public construction projects are expected to be planned using BIM. Companies that now adopt flexible, cloud-based project management software offering open interfaces (APIs) for BIM and other systems not only secure today’s efficiency advantages but also their competitiveness for the challenges of tomorrow.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
Using specialized project management software for construction software is not a luxury but a necessity to remain competitive. It addresses the core problems of the industry – inefficient communication, incomplete documentation, and lack of legal certainty. Valoon takes a unique approach by focusing on maximum simplicity and completely removing hurdles for employees on-site. The key benefits for your company include massive time savings through automated processes, seamless and legally secure documentation to safeguard your remuneration claims, and an unprecedented efficiency in collaboration between office and construction site. Switch now and make your construction documentation finally simple and legally secure. Book your free demo now and discover how Valoon revolutionizes communication and documentation on your construction sites.
More links
Wikipedia provides a general overview of the construction industry, its definition, areas, and significance.
Main Association of the German Construction Industry provides information and positions on the topic of digitalization in the construction sector.
Fraunhofer IAO offers a press release or article on digitalization in construction.
DIHK (German Chamber of Industry and Commerce) informs about the issue of skilled labor shortages, possibly also in the construction sector.
FAQ
Is project management software suitable for small construction companies?
Yes, especially for small companies, it is valuable. Solutions like Valoon are often modular and cost-effective. They help professional and legally secure documentation with a low administrative staff effort, which provides a direct competitive advantage.
How complex is the implementation of such software?
At Valoon, the effort is minimal. Since documentation on-site is done via WhatsApp, there is no training effort for employees on-site. Setting up the project environment in the office is intuitive and supported by our customer service.
Are my data secure in cloud software?
Yes. We rely on server locations in Germany and guarantee GDPR-compliant storage and processing of your data. All information is encrypted during transmission and archived in a revision-proof manner to ensure maximum security.
Can the software be connected with other programs (e.g., accounting)?
Modern project management software is designed for connectivity. Valoon offers open interfaces (APIs) to enable connections to existing ERP or accounting systems, avoiding media discontinuity.
What happens to the data after the project ends?
All project data remains stored safely and securely in the long term. Thanks to powerful search and filter functions, you can access all documents, photos, and communication histories even years later, which is particularly crucial during the warranty phase.
Does the documentation also work without internet on the construction site?
Yes, good construction software must be able to work offline. At Valoon, messages and photos are captured even without an active internet connection and automatically synchronized as soon as the device is back online. This ensures that no information is lost.
