The most important results at a glance
- Increased efficiency: Construction managers save up to 5 hours a week through digital processes with construction software.
- Seamless documentation: A central construction software ensures the legally compliant documentation required by HOAI and VOB and minimizes liability risks.
- Improved communication: Over 70% of communication errors are reduced by a central platform that seamlessly connects the office and the construction site.
- Real-time cost control: Digital budget monitoring and resource allocation prevent cost overruns of up to 15%.
- High user acceptance: Modern construction software that focuses on simplicity is adopted by over 90% of on-site employees without extensive training.
These benefits are no longer reserved just for large corporations but are crucial for the competitiveness of every construction company.
The foundation: Legally compliant documentation at a click
Incomplete or erroneous construction documentation is one of the greatest risks for construction companies. In disputes, it almost always leads to the loss of compensation claims, as the burden of proof lies with the contractor. The Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers (HOAI) explicitly requires keeping a construction diary in service phase 8.
A modern software for construction sites automates this task. It enables the seamless recording of all relevant occurrences directly on-site via smartphone.
The following elements are digitally and immutably recorded:
- Daily reports: Weather data, present employees, and deployed equipment are automatically captured or recorded with just a few clicks.
- Photo documentation: Photos are assigned with a timestamp and location to the correct project and are immediately visible to the office.
- Defect management: Defects are recorded with an image and description and digitally forwarded to the responsible subcontractor for resolution.
- Measurements and hours: Digital measurements and time sheets are legible, traceable, and can be directly processed for invoicing.
This structured recording reduces the risk of fee cuts by up to 30%. A clean documentation is the best insurance for your company and forms the basis for transparent communication.
The bridge between construction site and office: Seamless communication
Information silos and unclear agreements are efficiency killers. When the office does not know what is happening on-site, delays of over 20% are not uncommon. Traditional channels such as WhatsApp groups are not GDPR-compliant and lead to an unstructured information chaos where important details get lost.
A central construction software for process optimization serves as a ‘Single Source of Truth’. It ensures that all stakeholders – from the managing director to the employee on-site – access the same, up-to-date information. This reduces queries and misunderstandings by more than 50%.
A crucial advantage is simplicity. When employees do not have to install or learn a new app, acceptance increases significantly. Solutions based on familiar interfaces like WhatsApp overcome this hurdle and achieve a usage rate of over 95% on-site. Thus, digital collaboration becomes a matter of course.
Increasing efficiency: How construction software saves time and costs
The manual effort for administrative tasks ties up valuable resources. The creation of daily construction reports alone can take 3-5 hours per project per week. A construction software automates these and many other routine tasks, allowing project management to focus on its core competencies.
The benefits at a glance:
- Automated reports: Daily construction reports, performance records, and photo documentation are generated at the push of a button, reducing administrative effort by up to 80%.
- Optimized resource planning: The use of personnel and equipment becomes transparent and plannable, improving utilization by at least 15%.
- Faster billing: With digital measurements and performance records, invoices can be issued up to 10 days earlier, enhancing the company’s liquidity.
- Centralized material management: About 70% of construction companies require a software solution to efficiently manage material flows and avoid costly delays.
By using a construction software for calculation and controlling, you keep track of project costs at all times. This allows you to detect deviations early and increase the profitability of your projects by an average of 10%. These efficiency gains are a direct competitive advantage.
Making the right choice: What to consider when choosing construction software
The market for construction software is large, but not every solution fits every company. Software that employees do not accept is a misinvestment. Studies show that user-friendliness is the decisive factor for successful implementation.
Pay attention to the following criteria when selecting:
- Simplicity and intuitive operation: The software must be understandable without days of training, especially for employees on the construction site.
- Mobile access: A powerful app for smartphones is essential to capture data directly on-site.
- Modular design: The software should grow with your construction company and be adaptable to your needs rather than forcing you into a rigid framework.
- Cloud-based technology: A cloud-based construction management software ensures that all data is synchronized in real-time and accessible from anywhere.
- Data security and GDPR compliance: Choose a provider that operates its servers in the EU, ideally in Germany, and guarantees compliance with data protection regulations.
The best construction software is the one that is actually used. A solution that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows and focuses on simplicity often pays back its costs within the first 6 months.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
Using modern construction software is not a trend but a business necessity for future-proof construction companies. The digitization of documentation and communication is key to increased efficiency, reduced risk, and higher profitability.
With Valoon, you choose a solution designed for practice. We combine maximum legal certainty mit with radical simplicity, by relying on the proven interface of WhatsApp. The result is immediate acceptance on the construction site, seamless documentation, and a time saving that already pays off from day one. Say goodbye to paper chaos and unpaid amendments.
Increase the efficiency and safety of your construction projects now. Book your free and non-binding demo and find out in 15 minutes how Valoon bridges the gap between your office and your construction sites.
More Links
Das RKW Competence Center provides a summary of the results of a study on employment and digitization in the construction industry.
PwC highlights in an article the current challenges and pressures facing the construction industry.
The initiative de.digital of the Federal Ministry of Economics provides comprehensive information on the digitalization index for Germany.
Another study by PwC analyzes the impact of digitization, sustainability, and the Corona pandemic on the construction industry.
Der Main Association of the German Construction Industry provides a detailed report on the current state and development of the construction industry.
Das Fraunhofer IESE publishes a blog article summarizing a study on digitization in the construction sector.
Das Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) highlights in an article the digitization potential in construction activity statistics.
Comprehensive information on the topic of construction can be found on the website of the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
Das Center for European Economic Research (ZEW) published the final report on the ‘Future Construction’ study by BBSR.
FAQ
How quickly can a construction software like Valoon be implemented?
Solutions that focus on simplicity and familiar interfaces such as WhatsApp require virtually no training effort. Implementation can occur within a day, as employees on site continue to work in their familiar environment without having to install a new app.
What hardware is needed for use on the construction site?
For use on the construction site, a standard smartphone (iOS or Android) is sufficient. No special or expensive hardware is required. Employees simply use their own devices or those provided by the company.
Are my data safe in a cloud construction software?
Yes, with reputable providers, your data are secure. Look for a provider that operates GDPR-compliant and hosts its servers in the EU, preferably in Germany. Valoon meets these criteria and ensures the highest data security.
Can I also communicate with subcontractors using construction software?
Yes, good construction software platforms enable the easy integration of external partners such as subcontractors or planners. You can selectively share information and assign tasks without the subcontractor needing to purchase a full license.
Does construction software really solve the WhatsApp problem?
Yes. Instead of banning the use of WhatsApp, smart solutions like Valoon integrate the channel into a structured and GDPR-compliant process. Messages and images from the construction site are automatically documented in the correct project archive instead of getting lost in countless private chats.
What happens to my data if I switch providers?
Professional construction software providers allow a complete data export in common formats (e.g., PDF, Excel). This way, you maintain control over your project documentation and can easily archive it or transfer it to another system after a contract ends.
