The core problem: Information silos hinder construction progress
On many construction sites, communication takes place through countless WhatsApp groups, emails, and phone calls. This fragmentation leads to an information chaos where important instructions and photos get lost. According to a PwC study, 82 percent of companies see the greatest opportunities in simulation and visualization, which requires a central data foundation. Without such a foundation, misunderstandings and costly rework quickly arise. The lack of a central repository prevents efficient coordination and costs valuable working time every day. Manually assigning thousands of images and messages to the correct processes is a source of error and nearly impossible. This inefficient way of working directly leads to delays and budget overruns that jeopardize project success.
The solution: A central platform as a Single Source of Truth
A cloud software for construction breaks down these silos and establishes a central information source for all project participants. All data, from construction plans to photos and defect notices, is collected in one place and is available in real-time. This reduces administrative effort by up to 80 percent. The biggest advantage is the automatic, process-related logging of every single message. Using a cloud-based construction documentation ensures that all information is archived in a legally secure and traceable manner. This not only creates transparency but also lays the foundation for smooth collaboration between the office and the construction site. Thus, digital transformation in the company becomes a reality without completely overturning existing processes.
Increase efficiency: How cloud solutions accelerate project workflows
By using specialized cloud software, many processes in everyday construction work can be significantly accelerated. The digital capturing of data directly on the construction site makes double entry in the office unnecessary. This saves project managers often more than an hour of working time per day. An efficient construction software supports realizing these gains. Here are four concrete ways to increase efficiency:
- Automated daily construction reports: Reports are created with just one click from the daily inputs, reducing manual effort by 90%.
- Digital defect management: Defects are documented with photos, assigned, and tracked, shortening resolution time by up to 50%.
- Mobile time tracking: Employees log their hours directly on-site, which accelerates payroll processing by days.
- Central document management: All plans and documents are available in the most current version for everyone, eliminating search times.
These optimizations lead to shorter project phases and a noticeable relief for project and construction managers.
Ensure legal certainty: GDPR-compliant and proof-secure documentation
Compliance with the GDPR is essential when choosing cloud services to avoid hefty fines. A professional cloud software for construction guarantees that all data is hosted on servers in Germany or the EU. This is a fundamental requirement for legally compliant processing of personal data. Every communication, every photo, and every decision is automatically time-stamped and archived unalterably. In case of disputes, this seamless documentation serves as legally secure evidence in court. A digital document management ensures that all legal retention periods are adhered to. This minimizes your liability risk and protects your company from costly legal disputes.
Acceptance in the team: Overcoming the biggest hurdle
The biggest challenge when introducing new software is often the low acceptance among the employees on the construction site. Complex systems with long onboarding times regularly fail here. The key to success lies in simplicity. A solution built on familiar tools like WhatsApp requires no training effort for the teams on-site. Employees do not need to install or learn a new app but communicate as usual. The benefits for a successful implementation are clear:
- No acceptance issues with employees on the construction site.
- No effort for training or technical setup.
- Immediate use by the entire team from day one.
- Multilingual communication through automatic live translation.
This low-barrier approach ensures the successful digitalization of the construction industry from the ground up and ensures high data quality.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
The use of cloud software is no longer a trend for modern construction companies but a necessity to remain competitive. Digitalization in the construction industry is stagnating compared to other industries, which presents enormous potential for efficiency gains. Valoon bridges the gap between the office and the construction site with a solution that combines three decisive advantages: Simplicity, efficiency, and legal certainty. You will receive seamless, legally secure documentation, accelerate your processes by up to 25%, and ensure acceptance within the entire team, as employees on the construction site do not require a new app. Take the next step and elevate your construction documentation to a new level. Book your free demo now and see the benefits for yourself.
More Links
Wikipedia describes construction documentation in general, its significance, and contents.
Fraunhofer IESE offers a blog article about a study on digitalization in the construction industry.
Destatis (Federal Statistical Office) provides a PDF document on the potential for digitalization in construction activity statistics.
PwC publishes a press release regarding a study on the construction industry in 2023, highlighting digital deficiencies and progress in sustainability.
de.digital provides information on the digitalization index, which measures the progress of digitalization in various industries.
Statista presents a statistic on the implementation degree of digitalization in the construction industry in the D-A-CH region.
Chamber of Crafts Dortmund offers information about a seminar on legally secure construction documentation.
Haufe provides an article on legally secure documentation in occupational safety.
VDI informs about the VDI guidelines series 2552, which deals with Building Information Modeling (BIM).
BIM Germany provides an overview of standards, norms, and guidelines in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Germany.
FAQ
Is the use of Valoon on the construction site really free?
Yes, for employees on the construction site, the use is completely free. They only need WhatsApp and do not have to install a new app. Costs are incurred only for users in the office who manage projects in the web browser.
How is data security guaranteed at Valoon?
All your data is stored exclusively on certified servers in Germany and is therefore protected in accordance with the GDPR. We use modern encryption technologies to ensure the safety and confidentiality of your project data at all times.
Can external partners such as subcontractors or project owners be involved?
Yes, you can easily and flexibly add external project participants to individual projects. You control, via a permissions system, who can see and edit which information. External partners also only need WhatsApp.
How complicated is the setup of Valoon?
The setup is incredibly simple and can be completed in just a few minutes. As there is no software installation and employees on the construction site use WhatsApp as usual, any training effort is eliminated. You can start your first project immediately.