The problem: Why manual measurements cost 70% more time
Traditional measurement creation is one of the largest sources of errors in the construction process. Studies show that manual transfer errors are responsible for up to 15% of all post-calculations. An employee spends an average of 4 hours per week just transferring handwritten notes into the office. This paper-based system not only leads to a tremendous loss of time but also to a high susceptibility to errors. A single digit error can lead to material losses of several thousand euros. The lack of standardization also makes documentation unclear and difficult to trace, slowing down collaboration between the construction site and the office by up to 30%. This inefficient method is outdated and poses significant financial risks for any construction project.
The solution: Improve efficiency with a digital measurement app
An app for measurements revolutionizes data collection on the construction site. By capturing data digitally on-site, the manual transfer of data is completely eliminated. This reduces the error rate by over 90%. Instead of illegible notes, all measurements, photos, and comments are stored in a central, digital project space. Time savings of up to 5 hours per site manager per week. All data is immediately available to the office team, which speeds up quantity determination according to VOB and invoicing by up to 50%. The digital recording ensures transparent and comprehensive documentation, serving as legally secure evidence. Thus, the entire process from the construction site to billing is optimized.
Core functions for a VOB-compliant measurement
To meet the requirements of VOB/B § 14, a measurement must be verifiable and traceable. A powerful craftsman measurement software provides essential features. Here are the 4 most important characteristics:
- Photo documentation with timestamp: Each measurement is linked to a photo and an immutable time and location stamp, increasing the evidential value by 100%.
- Digital formulas and calculations: The app automatically calculates areas and volumes while adhering to VOB rules, such as measuring openings up to 2.5 m².
- Seamless logging: All entries, changes, and comments are stored chronologically and attributed to specific users, ensuring complete traceability.
- Easy data export: The recorded data can be exported with just one click as a PDF report or for further processing in CAD or billing software.
These features ensure that your digital measurement meets all legal requirements and that billing processes are accelerated by at least 30%.
Valoon: Complete measurements directly via WhatsApp
While many apps require separate installation and training, Valoon relies on the most widely used app on every construction site: WhatsApp. Employees simply send measurements, photos, and voice notes to the existing project chat. Valoon automatically captures this data in the background and structures it into a legally secure measurement log. This approach eliminates any training effort and increases team acceptance by 100%. Operation is as simple as sending a message, which reduces the barrier to using digital tools to zero. All data is available to office staff in a clear web application, including all VOB-compliant calculations and export functions. Thus, Valoon connects the construction site and the office seamlessly.
Increase precision and reduce costs by 20%
Using an app for measurements leads to a significant increase in accuracy. Modern laser measuring devices, which connect to an app via Bluetooth, achieve an accuracy of +/- 1.5 mm. This prevents expensive ordering errors with materials and construction elements. Companies report a reduction in material waste of up to 20%. The automatic data transfer eliminates digit errors and calculation mistakes that are common with the manual method. A precise photo documentation construction app also provides visual clarity and avoids misunderstandings. This increased accuracy not only leads to direct cost savings but also improves planning quality and collaboration with subcontractors and clients. The investment in a digital solution often pays off within the first 3 months.
Ensure legal security: Comprehensive documentation as evidence
A signed measurement log is considered a legal document. Incorrect information can therefore have serious legal consequences. An app for measurements creates a complete and immutable documentation chain. Each measurement is automatically linked to the project, date, time, and the executing employee. This tamper-proof logging is 100% evidential in case of disputes. According to VOB/B § 2 and § 14, billing must be based on the actual services rendered, which makes precise measurements essential. With a digital construction site app like Valoon, you can easily meet these requirements and protect your company from unjustified reductions and lengthy legal disputes. The documentation is always accessible and can be presented to the client for review, increasing transparency by 80%.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
Transitioning from paper chaos to a digital measurement app is not a luxury, but a business necessity. You not only increase efficiency by up to 40% but also minimize costly errors and create VOB-compliant, legally secure documentation. With Valoon, this step is seamless, as your team at the construction site simply continues to use WhatsApp. The three core advantages are: Simplicity, time savings, and legal security. End the communication chaos and secure your invoicing sustainably. Book your free demo now and experience how easy digital measurements can be.
More Links
Fraunhofer IESE offers a blog article on a study about digitization in the construction industry.
Destatis provides a PDF document on the digitalization potential in construction activity statistics.
The Federal Government offers information on the Digitalization Index.
The Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) publishes a position paper on the topic of digitization.
Handwerk Digital informs about the digitization barometer for crafts.
Statista presents a statistic on the implementation degree of digitization in the construction industry in the D-A-CH region.
The DIHK presents the results of a digitization survey.
Fraunhofer IESE provides a PDF document on digitization in the construction industry.
Roland Berger provides a PDF document on digitization in the construction sector.
Wikipedia offers an article on measurement.
FAQ
Do my employees on the construction site need to install a new app?
No, not with Valoon. Your employees continue to use WhatsApp to send all relevant information such as measurements, photos, or voice notes. Our platform automatically processes this data in the background into a structured measurement.
Is the measurement with Valoon VOB-compliant?
Yes. All data is timestamped and associated with user information, stored in an immutable format. The logs are fully traceable and thus meet the requirements of VOB for verifiable billing.
What hardware is needed on the construction site?
Only a standard smartphone with WhatsApp installed is required. For even higher precision, a Bluetooth-enabled laser measuring device can be connected, which makes the manual entry of numbers unnecessary.
How quickly are the recorded data available in the office?
Immediately. Once a piece of information is sent via WhatsApp, it is visible in real-time in the Valoon web application for the office team and can be processed directly. This significantly accelerates the entire billing process.
Can I import the data into my existing software?
Yes, you can export the measurement logs as a PDF or download the structured data as a CSV file to reuse it in your calculation, billing, or CAD software.
What does it cost for the team on the construction site?
For employees on the construction site, the use is completely free since they only use their existing WhatsApp. Costs are incurred only for users of the office software who manage and analyze the data.
