Measurement via app: How digital assistants can save you time and avoid mistakes
Why a dedicated app for measurements is simply a must-have today
Do you know this too? Paper, pen, and calculator – traditional measurements are not only a major time sink but unfortunately also prone to errors. A modern measurement app completely transforms this process and provides a real boost to efficiency and accuracy on the construction site. Transmission errors through digital capture? A thing of the past! Illegible handwriting? That’s yesterday’s news! Furthermore, such a measurement app collects all important data at a central location. This greatly and sustainably improves communication and collaboration within the team – especially between the construction site and the office. Digital capture directly on site, as enabled by our solutions for mobile data collection in construction , is an essential aspect. Many companies, particularly in traditional sectors like construction, are making a significant leap toward digitization with a measurement app .
- Significantly increases efficiency and accuracy on the construction site.
- Avoids transmission errors and eliminates problems from illegible handwriting.
- Collects all important data at a central location, enhancing teamwork and communication.
- Supports companies, especially in traditional sectors like construction, in taking crucial steps toward digitization.
In this article, we want to show you what modern measurement apps can do, what to look for when choosing one, and where they are practically applied. We want to help you find the measurement app one that perfectly fits you and your projects. Because that’s what it’s all about: fully leveraging the opportunities of digitization and streamlining your workflows. Discover with us how the right technology can not only save you time and money but also enhance the quality of your work and increase your customers’ satisfaction. For craft businesses, a specialized craftsman measurement software can often make all the difference.
What’s in it for you? The main advantages of a measurement app at a glance:
Integrating a measurement app into your daily work brings a whole range of benefits – and they go far beyond mere time savings. Here are the key benefits of such a measurement app in den Arbeitsalltag zu integrieren, bringt eine ganze Reihe von Vorteilen mit sich – und die gehen weit über reine Zeitersparnis hinaus. Hier mal die wichtigsten Pluspunkte, die eine solche measurement app :
- Fewer errors: Enter data digitally and let it calculate automatically – this significantly minimizes human sources of error.
- Better documentation: Photos, notes, sketches – everything is integrated right into the measurements. This ensures a seamless and clear documentation.
- Faster to the quote: The captured data often flows directly into the calculation and quoting software. This speeds up the entire process considerably.
- More transparency: Everyone involved in the project has access to current and consistent data. This makes many things clearer and improves communication.
What modern measurement apps can do: From simple measurements to smart messenger integration
What every app should be capable of – and what professionals are capable of
Sure, every good measurement app must cover the basics: Capture lengths, areas, and volumes while supporting various units of measurement. But modern apps can do much more: Connecting to laser distance meters – think of devices from , Bosch GLM, or Würth WDM – is a must-have for many professionals today. This way, the measurement data goes directly and error-free into the measurement app. Additional features often include detailed photo documentation with notes right in the image, digital sketches, and sometimes even 3D modeling, as offered by the . Some measurement app even understand your language for notes – which speeds up data entry and keeps your hands free. And when the measurement app automatically calculates complex areas and volumes, it really saves time and avoids calculation errors.
- Basic measurements: Capturing lengths, areas, and volumes in various units of measurement.
- Laser integration: Direct and error-free data transfer from compatible laser distance meters.
- Enhanced documentation: Integration of photo documentation with annotations, digital sketches, and partial 3D modeling capabilities.
- Automated calculations: Automatic calculation of complex areas and volumes for time savings and error prevention.
Cleverly manage, export, and – our highlight – use via messenger
Good data management is the cornerstone of any professional measurement app. This means you can export captured data in various formats – PDF, JPEG, PNG, but also in industry formats such as GAEB, CSV, or XML. This ensures that everything works seamlessly with your other software, for example for calculations or invoices. Many apps store data in the cloud and synchronize it automatically. This way, everyone involved in the project has access to the latest information anytime and anywhere. We at Valoon GmbH go one step further: Our solution integrates popular messenger services , such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and MS Teams seamlessly. This pretty unique feature allows your field personnel to use their familiar tools while the communication is automatically transformed into structured project data. This is a crucial part of our mobile solutions for the construction industry and makes the digital capture on-site much easier.Finding the right app: What to look for in compatibility, usability, and integration
Does the app fit your technology? And is it easy to use?
When looking for the right measurement app , a very important point is: Does it fit with your existing hardware? Take a close look at whether the measurement app supports your laser distance meters. Just as importantly: Does the app run on the smartphones and tablets you use in your company – whether iOS or Android? A very user-friendly interface and clear menus are worth their weight in gold, so your employees enjoy using the app and you don’t have to spend ages training them. A good measurement app should be designed so that even colleagues who aren’t so tech-savvy can quickly and efficiently work with it. For us, usability is paramount to make the transition to digitization as easy as possible.
- Hardware compatibility: Check the support for your laser distance meters and the smartphones and tablets used in your company (iOS/Android).
- User-friendliness: Look for intuitive operation and clear menu navigation to ensure high acceptance among employees and minimal training effort.
- Suitability for all users: The app should be designed so that even less technically inclined colleagues can work efficiently with it.
What must the app be able to do? What should it cost? And how does it fit into your workflows?
There are countless measurement apps on the market – from free versions with limited features to hefty subscription packages that cost money. Think carefully about what features you truly need , so you’re not paying for fluff that you’ll never use. Also consider what might become important in the future. Another key point: The app must integrate, damit Sie nicht für Schnickschnack bezahlen, den Sie nie nutzen. Denken Sie dabei auch daran, was vielleicht in Zukunft noch wichtig wird. Ein weiterer Knackpunkt: Die App muss sich seamlessly into your existing software and workflows. Many craft businesses already have industry software in use, for example from , or . A good measurement app should be able to flexibly export data into common formats – GAEB for tenders, CSV for spreadsheets, or PDF for documentation. And very importantly, especially on construction sites with dead zones: Can the measurement app also capture data offline? This is a huge plus and should definitely be considered when choosing a construction site app .
Also be able to measure without a network – and understand the value of good support
A stable internet connection is not always a given on construction sites. That’s why it’s so important that a measurement app also works offline. The app should be able to capture and store data without a network, and then synchronize it later, once the connection is back. Also, ensure that the provider offers good customer support. If something goes wrong or questions arise, quick assistance is invaluable for avoiding downtime and staying productive. Many providers, as we have seen in our research, offer support via email or phone and continually improve their apps based on user feedback.Measurements with AR and photo: Cool technology for special cases
How do AR and photo apps work and when do they make sense?
Besides the classic methods, often with laser distance meters, augmented reality (AR) and photo measurements are becoming increasingly interesting. AR apps like or MasterPlan AR use the camera from your phone or tablet to set virtual measurement points in the real space and calculate distances or areas from them. Apps that are photo-based, like SimpleMeasure or the photo measurement function of the , extract measurements directly from an image – often requiring a known reference measurement. These techniques are great for quickly estimating or taking measurements in hard-to-reach spots without having to set up scaffolding or ladders. Such a measurement app sie unterstützt, um schnell mal grob was zu schätzen oder Maße an schwer erreichbaren Stellen zu nehmen, ohne gleich Gerüst oder Leiter aufbauen zu müssen. So eine measurement app can simplify processes significantly in certain situations.
How accurate is this? What are the limitations and when does it pay off?
Even though AR and photo apps offer cool new possibilities, they are often not as accurate as measurements with lasers. The results strongly depend on the lighting conditions, the surface being measured, and the quality of the camera. For highly accurate measurements needed for material orders or billing, such AR or photo-based measurement app therefore isn’t always the best choice. However, they show their strengths when it comes to quick approximate measurements, for example, during the first site visit, or when an image documentation with rough measurements is sufficient. For detailed and precise measurements, like those often needed for a window measurement app , specialized solutions are usually better. Whether an AR-based measurement app fits depends on the specific requirements of the project.More than just measuring: Measurement apps in conjunction with construction management software
Why the combination is invaluable for the entire construction process
A measurement app often only truly shows its strength when it works in conjunction with a comprehensive construction management software. This connection creates a measurement app oft erst, wenn sie mit einer umfassenden Baumanagement-Software zusammenspielt. Diese Verbindung schafft einen completely digital workflow: from the first measurement on-site with the measurement app to calculation and quotation to invoicing and project documentation. This optimizes the entire construction process, as data no longer needs to be manually transferred between various systems. This not only saves time but also makes everything less error-prone and the data more uniform and better. Collaboration between the office and the construction site is also greatly improved as everyone works with the same, up-to-date data. A well-integrated measurement app is therefore a vital building block for successful digital construction management.
What this looks like in practice and why interfaces are so important
Many construction software providers have recognized this and either offer their own measurement apps or ensure that apps from other vendors can be integrated. Examples of such combo solutions include the previously mentioned systems from , , or the . These systems often allow data to flow directly from the measurement app into calculation and invoicing. For this to work well, standardized interfaces are crucial. The GAEB interface is particularly important as it standardizes the exchange of specifications and measurement data – not just for public tenders. With API interfaces, you can also create entirely customized connections to your own IT landscape, thereby crafting a tailored solution for the mobile data collection in construction .From practice: How different trades utilize measurement apps
The right app solution for each trade
Depending on the trade you’re in, the requirements for a measurement app can be quite different. In the sanitary, heating, and air conditioning sector (SHK), for example, apps like are popular, often bringing unique functionality for bathroom design or heating calculations. For landscape construction, solutions like , which cater specifically to the needs of measuring outdoor facilities, simplify capturing terrain profiles or planting areas. Painters, plasterers, and stucco workers appreciate apps like the . They feature functions for room measurements and photo measurements of facades and also calculate according to VOB standards (with measurement rules and so on). This shows how important it is to choose a measurement app that truly fits the workflows and requirements of your specific trade. For many craftsmen, a general craftsman software with an integrated measurement function is a great thing.
What it really brings: Success with measurement apps in numbers
Many real-world examples demonstrate the positive impact of adopting a measurement app . Companies report saving a lot of time with measurements – sometimes up to 70% compared to the old method using paper and pen, as CATSmobil claims for its solution. This time savings through the measurement app comes not only from faster capturing but also because less rework is needed and errors are avoided. Costs are also improving, as fewer work hours are spent on measurements and materials can be calculated more accurately. Better documentation also leads to fewer queries and misunderstandings. This speeds up the entire project process and makes clients happier. The money spent on a good measurement app is often recouped within a short time. The digital measurement software for construction thus becomes the real efficiency booster.
What is important for your industry: Special functions in focus
Finding the right measurement app largely depends on what your industry requires. Here are some key functionalities that can be particularly interesting for specific trades:
- Sanitary, Heating, Air Conditioning (SHK): Product databases, piping design, VDI 3805 document interfaces. A specialized measurement app for sanitary installations can score big here.
- Window and Door Construction: Precise measurements for openings, connections, and fittings. A window measurement app is often indispensable.
- Earthworks: Longitudinal and cross profiles, volume calculation for earthworks, GPS integration. A specialized measurement app for earthworks can make the work easier here.
Overcoming hurdles and looking ahead: What’s next for measurement apps
Where it sometimes stumbles – and how to succeed anyway
Even though the advantages are clearly visible, introducing a new measurement app can sometimes be challenging. One of the biggest hurdles is often bringing the employees onboard – especially if they have been working the old way for a long time. It helps to clearly explain the advantages and provide thorough training. Don’t underestimate the initial training effort; it’s well-invested money in future efficiency. Another important topic is: data security and data privacy. Especially when sensitive project data is in the cloud or shared via messenger. It’s important to choose providers that have clear security concepts and comply with GDPR. We at Valoon GmbH take data security and the protection of your data very seriously. You can rely on that when using our measurement app .
What the future holds: AI, BIM, and more automation
In the field of measurement app , there is constant innovation. It’s particularly exciting how measurement methods with AR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are evolving. AI could soon assist in automatically recognizing objects, measuring even more accurately, and perhaps even identifying problems early on. The better connection to Building Information Modeling (BIM)is also becoming increasingly important. When measurement data directly flows into BIM models and vice versa, it will further improve planning and construction and elevate collaboration among all parties involved to a new level. In the long run, the entire measurement process will become more automated – from data capture to the final measurement protocol. The use of drone measurement software is an example of such modern techniques that already exist today. A modern measurement app will increasingly become a smart assistant on the construction site.Your path to greater efficiency: The essentials about measurement apps and a look ahead
The essentials summarized – and our tips for you
Finding the right measurement app selecting and implementing is a crucial step toward becoming more efficient and digital in the construction and craft industry. We’ve seen: These digital helpers not only replace error-prone paper systems but also bring a wealth of functionalities to improve workflows – from precise measurement to seamless integration with other software and enhanced team communication. With the right measurement app, you can save significant time, reduce costs, and improve the quality of your project documentation. When selecting, pay attention to aspects like: Does the app fit my hardware? Is it easy to use? What can it do? Does it integrate well? And what does it cost? Remember: The best measurement app is the one that best fits your needs and integrates seamlessly into your workflows.
A look into the crystal ball: The future of digital measuring
Measurement apps are undergoing significant development, and it looks promising. We can expect that apps will be smarter, easier to use, and better connected in the future. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality will completely transform the capturing and processing of data. The integration with BIM processes will become closer and more comprehensive, making planning and execution more harmonious. For us at Valoon GmbH, who specialize in enhancing communication and project management through clever software , this means: We continue to advance and evolve our products so you always have the best tools for your projects. A strong measurement app is a vital building block.
Choosing a modern measurement app is an investment in the future of your business. You will not only measure more accurately and work more efficiently but also vastly improve communication and collaboration. Take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitization to make your projects even more successful and secure an edge. Want to know how our solutions – especially our unique messenger integration – can make your measurements easier? Then just reach out to us! Contact us today for a personal consultation and discover how simple the transition to digital measuring can be. Register now and streamline your project workflows!
What are the main advantages of a measurement app compared to the traditional method with pen and paper?
Integrating a measurement app into your daily work brings a whole range of benefits – and they go far beyond mere time savings. Here are the key benefits of such a measurement app significantly increases the efficiency on the construction site, by speeding up data capture and avoiding transmission errors. It enables a central data storage, improves the team communication and leads to a more accurate, seamless documentation with photos and notes.
Do measurement apps support common laser distance meters like Leica Disto or Bosch GLM?
Yes, many professional measurement apps offer a direct Bluetooth connection to common laser distance meters from manufacturers like Leica, Bosch, or Würth. This allows for error-free and fast transfer of measurement data directly into the app.
In which formats can I export my measurement data and can they be integrated into my construction software?
Most measurement apps support export in standard formats like PDF, CSV, and often GAEB or XML. This facilitates further processing of the data in your existing calculation or industry software (e.g., for quotes and invoices).
Does a measurement app also work without an internet connection on the construction site?
Many good measurement apps offer an offline functionality. You can capture and store data even without an active internet connection. Once the connection is restored, the data is automatically synchronized.
. How does Valoon GmbH simplify data capture via messenger for field staff?
Valoon GmbH enables the seamless integration of messengers like WhatsApp. Field staff can use familiar tools to transmit data, which is then automatically transformed into structured project data . This eliminates media breaks and significantly simplifies digital capture on-site.
Are there specialized measurement apps for certain trades like SHK, landscaping, or window construction?
Yes, there are measurement apps tailored to the specific needs of individual trades . Examples include solutions for SHK (e.g., ViSoft Smart), landscaping (e.g., smart to plan), or specialized functions for window measurements that consider industry-specific calculations and requirements .
How accurate are measurement apps that work with Augmented Reality (AR) or photos?
AR and photo-based measurement apps are useful for quick estimates and measurements in hard-to-reach spots. Their accuracy is generally lower than that of laser-based measurements and depends on factors like lighting conditions and surfaces. They are often less suitable for precise billing measurements.
What key aspects should I consider when selecting a measurement app for my business?
Important criteria include compatibility with your hardware (laser measuring devices, smartphones), an intuitive user experience, the required feature set (including offline mode), the pricing model as well as the ability to integrate with your existing software solutions and workflows.
