Digitalization is transforming the construction industry – but it also brings challenges in building. While digital technologies make processes more efficient, many companies face hurdles that complicate swift implementation. High investment costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and hesitant acceptance of new solutions are among the most common problems.
Many construction companies face the question: Is digitalization worth it despite these challenges? The answer is clear – yes. But the key lies in a well-thought-out strategy that takes technical, economic, and personnel aspects into consideration.
In this article, we show which challenges companies face and which approaches help to successfully master them.
Why does digitalization bring so many challenges to construction?
Digital solutions such as project management software, digital construction plans, or AI-supported site control offer tremendous benefits. Still, many companies continue to rely on analog processes. The biggest challenges in the transition are:
- High investment costs – Is it really worth it?
- Shortage of skilled workers – Who will implement the digitalization?
- Hesitant acceptance – Why digital processes often encounter resistance
High investment costs: Why digital solutions may seem expensive at first but reduce costs in the long run.
A common reason why construction companies delay digitalization is the high initial investments. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, acquiring software, tablets, or sensors presents a financial obstacle.
📊 According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering and Organization (IAO), many construction companies are still investing little in digital solutions – despite the long-term savings. (Source: Fraunhofer IAO)
Typical cost traps in digitalization
- Licensing fees for software (e.g., for project management or digital construction plans)
- Hardware acquisition (tablets, sensors, smart machine control)
- Training for employees: to use digital tools correctly
- Integration into existing systems: to ensure everything runs smoothly
How can costs be minimized?
- Gradual implementation: Instead of digitizing everything at once, start with small pilot projects.
- Utilize government funding: Programs like “Go-digital” or KfW funding assist with financing.
- Cloud solutions instead of costly software purchases: Many digital tools are available as monthly subscriptions – without high acquisition costs.
Shortage of skilled workers: Who will implement the digitalization?
One of the biggest challenges in construction is that digitalization is only as good as the people who use it. However, this reveals the next problem: There is a lack of skilled workers with digital know-how.
📊 According to Bitkom Research (2023), 149,000 IT positions are unfilled in Germany – the highest number ever. Especially in the construction sector, there is a shortage of experts who can connect digital solutions with the demands of the job site. (Source: Bitkom Research)
How does the shortage of skilled workers affect us?
- Digital solutions are not used efficiently due to a lack of know-how.
- Companies avoid new technologies because they lack internal IT experts.
- Insufficient training leads employees to reject new tools.
Solutions for construction companies
- Train employees: Those wanting to transition to digital processes should involve their team early and provide practical training.
- Choose simple, intuitive tools: Complex software can be off-putting – solutions like Valoon.Chat focus on ease of use directly via WhatsApp.
- Establish digital champions in the team: Employees with a knack for technology can serve as multipliers for digitalization.
Hesitant acceptance: Why digital processes often encounter resistance.
In addition to investment and the shortage of skilled workers, there is another major hurdle: employees who resist digital solutions.
📊 According to a study by the Institute for SME Research (IfM), 40% of employees in traditional industries are skeptical of digital processes. (Source: IfM Bonn)
Typical concerns of employees
- “It takes longer than the old method.”
- “I’m not a tech expert, it’s too complicated.”
- “We’ve always done it this way – why should I change anything?”
How can acceptance be created?
- Open communication: Why digitalization? What benefits do employees have?
- Gradual introduction: Small successes demonstrate that digital tools make daily tasks easier.
- Involve employees in the decision-making process: Those who can participate in decisions are more likely to identify with digital solutions.
Approaches to a successful digitalization
To tackle the typical challenges in construction, companies should pursue a structured approach. Step-by-step implementation: Why small steps are more effective than a complete overhaul.
Instead of immediately going for full digitalization, companies should start with small projects:
Anstatt sofort auf eine vollständige Digitalisierung zu setzen, sollten Unternehmen mit kleinen Projekten starten:
- Initial digitalization measures in a specific area (e.g., digital construction plans or time tracking)
- Gradual expansion to other job sites or company areas.
- Regular success checks and adjustments
📊 Studies show that companies that implement digitalization in stages experience significantly higher acceptance in the team and can correct errors more quickly.
Training & continuing education: How companies can build digital competency within their team.
- Practical training directly on the job site instead of theoretical IT courses.
- Train digital “champions” who can act as multipliers within the team.
- Utilize targeted funding programs for digital competence (e.g., the government’s “Go-digital”).
Adaptation to company needs: Finding the right solution for your own business.
Not every digital solution fits every construction company. Therefore, companies should:
- Assess their current processes.
- Select solutions that provide genuine added value.
- Avoid being led by trends and instead use practical tools.
Conclusion: Now is the time to approach digitalization strategically.
Digitalization undeniably brings challenges to construction – but it is no longer an optional trend; it is a necessity to remain competitive. Companies that invest in digital solutions early benefit from more efficient processes, lower error rates, and better communication between the job site and the office.
High investment costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and skepticism towards new technologies are obstacles that can be overcome with the right strategy. A gradual implementation, practical training, and adapting digital solutions to specific company needs simplify the transition and ensure sustainable integration into daily work.
Those who take action now secure long-term advantages: Construction times are shortened, resources are utilized more efficiently, and processes are made more transparent. Digitalization is not a risk – it is the key to greater efficiency, productivity, and future viability in the construction industry. Now is the right time to take the first step and successfully master the challenges in construction.
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