The core functions of iTWO: More than just a calculation program
The iTWO calculation program is an integrated 5D-BIM platform that digitalizes the entire construction process. Instead of using isolated solutions for tendering, awarding, and billing (AVA), the software seamlessly connects these phases. The foundation is a 3D model linked with scheduling (4D) and costs (5D). This approach enables a continuous digital project execution from design to completion.
The software aims to drastically reduce the processing effort for users. Through the intelligent assignment of bill of quantities (LV) items to model elements, standard-compliant quantity determination according to REB 23.003 and simplified calculation are made possible. For construction companies, this means a significant increase in efficiency in bid calculations and more accurate real-time cost tracking. According to 64% of users, the BIM method primarily changes the culture of collaboration. This centralization of data is a crucial step in minimizing planning errors and increasing project transparency.
The 5D-BIM process: Potentials for project management in the office
The 5D-BIM process is at the heart of iTWO and offers extensive possibilities for project management. It integrates previously separate disciplines such as surveying, work preparation, and calculation into a single, connected workflow. In practice, this means that changes to the 3D model automatically trigger adjustments in quantities and costs. This reduces the risk of miscalculations based on outdated plans by over 40%.
A central advantage of the 5D method is the improved communication among project participants during the planning phase. The following core processes are optimized through the 5D approach:
- Cost planning and calculation: Quantities are extracted directly from the model, increasing accuracy by up to 15%.
- Tendering and awarding: Bill of quantities are directly linked with the visual model, improving transparency for bidders.
- Scheduling: A visual 4D simulation of the construction process helps identify potential conflicts early.
- Controlling and billing: Construction progress can be continuously compared with the target state of the model.
This integrated working approach creates a high-quality information base for company control. The digital construction calculation becomes a strategic management tool rather than just a calculation process. However, implementing such a comprehensive system also presents significant challenges.
Implementation hurdles: Why complex software often fails in practice
The introduction of a comprehensive ERP system like iTWO is a significant challenge for any company. Studies show that over 40% of ERP implementations fail and 90% exceed their budget or timeline. The costs are not limited to software licenses, which can amount to €7,000 for a workshop with 10 participants from some providers. Additional expenses include consulting, custom adjustments, data migration, and especially employee training.
These investments pose a substantial financial risk, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the biggest hurdles are often not costs but soft factors. Resistance from employees is one of the central challenges of digitization in construction. Complex interfaces and a lack of mobile usability lead to frustration and workarounds like Excel sheets. This undermines the very purpose of centralized data storage. An ERP software for the construction industry is only successful if it is used by everyone.
The gap between the office and the construction site: The acceptance problem on site
While complex 5D models are being planned in the office, the reality on the construction site is different. Here, speed, simplicity, and straightforward communication count. Construction workers and foremen will not invest time in learning a complicated calculation program. A study from the Mittelstand-Digital Center Construction identifies employee and subcontractor overwhelm as a clear concern regarding software deployment.
Here lies the critical gap: Valuable data from the office does not reach the construction site in a practical manner, and conversely, information from the site – such as construction progress, defects, or timesheets – is only captured unstructured via WhatsApp or not at all. This leads to a break in the digital process that nullifies the benefits of 5D planning. An efficient process optimization in construction must involve employees on site rather than intimidate them with complicated technology. The solution must adapt to the working methods of the construction site, not the other way around.
Valoon as a bridge: Easily and legally close the communication gap
This is where Valoon steps in, bridging the complex planning in the office with the simple communication on site. Instead of burdening staff with another new app, Valoon integrates directly into the already used and accepted messaging service: WhatsApp. The employees on site continue to communicate as usual, without training efforts.
Information sent via WhatsApp is automatically and legally structured by Valoon. Here’s how the bridge works in practice:
- Automatically create daily construction reports: Photos, voice messages, and texts from the project chat are automatically compiled into a seamless daily construction report. Manual effort decreases by up to 80%.
- Legally compliant documentation: All data is archived in compliance with GDPR, with time stamps and project references. This creates a verifiable basis for deficiency management and billing.
- Multilingual communication: Valoon translates chat communication live in over 20 languages, thus overcoming language barriers in international teams.
- Simple timesheets and measurements: Employees can report their hours and measurements directly via WhatsApp; the data is automatically prepared for payroll and quantity determination according to VOB is processed.
Valoon makes the advantages of a central construction software accessible to everyone on the construction site by focusing on maximum simplicity.
Conclusion: Strong planning requires simple implementation
A powerful calculation program like iTWO is a valuable tool for planning and controlling complex construction projects in the office. The 5D-BIM method offers undeniable advantages in cost and schedule certainty. The success of the overall digitization strategy, however, depends on closing the gap to the construction site. Without a simple, accepted solution for data collection and communication on site, even the best plans remain just theory.
Valoon solves this problem by transferring structured data collection to the simplest and already established platform: WhatsApp. This ensures that valuable information from the construction site reaches the office legally and without manual effort. You make your expensive planning software more effective and your processes continuously digital. Ensure seamless documentation and relieve your construction and project managers.
No more communication chaos. Book your free demo now and discover how Valoon revolutionizes your construction documentation in just 5 minutes.
More Links
PERI explains the 5D planning method in construction.
USP Research analyzes the importance of BIM in construction using numbers and facts.
Fraunhofer IESE provides a blog post about a study on digitization in the construction industry.
PwC issues a press release regarding a study about the construction industry in 2023, addressing digitalization deficits and progress in sustainability.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) discusses the potential for digitization in construction statistics.
Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) offers a position paper on digitization in the construction industry.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on digital construction.
DIN offers a press release for a clear definition of BIM application for more efficient construction projects.
VDI provides information on the VDI Guidelines 2552.
FAQ
Is Valoon a replacement for a calculation program like iTWO?
No, Valoon is not a replacement, but the perfect complement. While iTWO is designed for complex planning, calculation, and control in the office, Valoon ensures simple and legally compliant communication and data collection on the construction site. It closes the gap between these two worlds.
Do my employees on the construction site need to install a new app?
No. The key advantage of Valoon is that your teams on the construction site can simply continue using WhatsApp. There is no new app, no training, and no transition. All technical processing happens in the background.
How does Valoon ensure that data from WhatsApp is legally compliant?
Valoon acts as your digital archivist. All messages, images, and documents from the project chat are automatically stamped with an immutable time and stored GDPR-compliant on German servers. This transforms a simple chat into a legally verifiable documentation.
What languages are supported by the live translation?
Valoon supports live translation for over 20 languages. This helps overcome language barriers in international teams directly in the chat and ensures clear instructions and error-free communication.
How does the automatic creation of daily construction reports work?
All relevant information shared throughout the day in the project chat – photos of construction progress, notes on special occurrences, weather data – is automatically collected by Valoon and summarized into a structured daily construction report in PDF format. This can be downloaded with one click.
For what company size is Valoon suitable?
Valoon is suitable for construction and craft businesses of all sizes, from small craft enterprises to large general contractors. The platform is scalable and offers immediate value by reducing manual documentation effort and increasing legal compliance.
