The 41 billion euro loss: The true costs of inefficiency in construction
The German construction industry loses around 41 billion euros annually due to inefficient processes. This shocking figure comes from a study showing that employees on construction sites spend an average of 8.3 hours per week on avoidable tasks. That’s a whole workday wasted on unproductive activities like searching for information, repeated phone calls, and manually documenting notes. Often, there is a lack of a clear digitization strategy; only about a third of companies pursue a concrete plan. This absence of structure leads to communication gaps, unclear task distribution, and ultimately to costly errors and delays. This inefficiency is not only a productivity killer but also poses significant legal risks for your company.
Legal certainty with a click: VOB-compliant documentation as the basis for process optimization
Comprehensive construction documentation is not a burdensome obligation but a financial safeguard. The German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB) require traceable documentation as a basis for billing. If proof of services rendered is missing, final invoices are reduced – a direct harm to your liquidity. A professional paperless construction site, based on a centralized software, is the key here. It ensures that all information is collected in one place, stored immutably, and accessible to all parties in real time. This creates not only transparency but also a legally secure chain of evidence.
A legally secure construction documentation typically includes:
- Daily construction reports with weather data and personnel strengths
- Photo documentation with time and location stamps
- Measurements and quantity determinations
- Protocols of meetings and inspections
- Correspondence and additional agreements
Digital, cloud-based systems ensure, that this information is accessible anytime and from anywhere, greatly improving collaboration. Thus, documentation transforms from a time-consuming task into a valuable tool for an effective construction management. Optimized processes not only provide legal protection but also save real money.
Eliminating waste: How process optimization software reduces your costs
The lean management approach aims to reduce waste in all forms – a principle perfectly supported by construction software. Every optimized process step directly impacts your project costs. Thoughtful process optimization software for construction tackles multiple areas simultaneously, resulting in measurable savings. Simply reducing defects and rework can lower a project’s total costs by up to 20 percent.
Here are four specific areas where you can save costs:
- Defect costs: Clear, documented instructions prevent misunderstandings and construction mistakes. This reduces costly rework and increases quality.
- Personnel costs: Automated reports and centralized data storage reduce the administrative burden for construction and project managers by many hours per week.
- Downtime costs: When information flows immediately and each trade knows exactly what to do, waiting times for materials or instructions are eliminated.
- Material costs: Precise planning and documentation, as enabled by a modern ERP software for the construction industry , helps avoid material waste.
The digital capture of measurements and the automatic creation of daily construction reports are just two examples that can reduce effort by up to 70%. The best software, however, is ineffective if your employees do not embrace it.
Overcoming the biggest hurdle: Employee acceptance without training effort
The introduction of new technologies often fails due to a lack of employee acceptance. Many construction companies invest in complex software, yet only a quarter provide targeted training to onboard their workforce. The result: The software is used reluctantly or not at all, and the hoped-for efficiency increase falls short. The fear of complicated programs and the effort to learn something new are the biggest barriers on the construction site. This is precisely where the decisive advantage of a solution that builds on familiar and accepted tools lies.
Valoon was specifically designed to bypass this hurdle. Since all communication and data collection occur via WhatsApp, no training effort is required for employees on the construction site . Anyone can use the solution immediately and without onboarding – even in their native language. This not only ensures acceptance but also accelerates the efficient construction project management from day one. Thus, digitization becomes not a burden but a tangible relief for the entire team.
Conclusion: Achieving more efficiency and legal certainty through simple process optimization
The digitization of construction processes is not for its own sake but a necessity to stay competitive. Transitioning from unstructured WhatsApp chats to targeted process optimization with construction software like Valoon addresses the core problems in the industry: It minimizes the time loss of 8.3 hours per week, creates VOB-compliant and legally secure documentation, and lowers costs through efficient processes. The key factor is simplicity. By being based on WhatsApp, Valoon eliminates the biggest hurdle – employee acceptance – from the outset. You gain the benefits of powerful process optimization software for construction without overburdening your team with new apps and extensive training. Optimize your construction timelines with smart software and secure the crucial advantage. Are you ready to end the chaos and simplify, streamline, and ensure legal certainty for your processes? Book your free demo now and experience how Valoon revolutionizes your construction routine.
More Links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of Lean Construction, a method for process optimization in the construction industry.
DBZ provides an article on process optimization in planning offices, specifically in the construction sector.
RKW Competence Center offers a brief information on Lean Construction as an approach for increasing efficiency in the construction sector.
University of Kassel provides a scientific publication on process optimization and related topics in the construction sector.
Fraunhofer IESE publishes a blog article about a study on digitization in the construction industry.
Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) presents its position paper on the topic of digitization in the construction industry.
Statista shows statistics on the implementation degree of digitization in the construction industry in the D-A-CH region.
PwC provides a study on the digitization of the German construction industry.
FAQ
How quickly can software for process optimization like Valoon be implemented?
Valoon can be implemented within hours. Since it is based on WhatsApp, your employees on the construction site do not need to install a new app or receive training. They can immediately communicate using a project number provided by us, and all data will be automatically captured in the system for the office staff.
Is communication through Valoon and WhatsApp really legally secure?
Yes. Valoon converts the information sent via WhatsApp (photos, texts, voice messages) into structured, VOB-compliant documentation. All data is stored on German servers with timestamps and employee assignments, making it suitable as evidence in disputes.
Can external partners such as subcontractors be included in process optimization?
Yes, that is one of the significant advantages. You can easily add subcontractors and other external partners to the respective project. They also do not need to install new software and can communicate as usual via WhatsApp, while their contributions are seamlessly and legally documented.
What language barriers does the software solve?
Valoon features an integrated live translation function. Voice messages and texts sent by international employees in their native language can be automatically translated into German for the project management staff. This avoids misunderstandings and significantly improves collaboration.
What does process optimization software for construction cost?
At Valoon, the use for employees on the construction site is completely free, as they operate through their personal or business WhatsApp number. Costs are only incurred for users in the office (e.g., project and construction managers) who manage the data in the web application. Our pricing model is transparent and tailored to the needs of construction companies.
For what company sizes is the construction software suitable?
Valoon is suitable for companies of all sizes, from small craft businesses to large general contractors. Its easy scalability and focus on uncomplicated processes make the software especially attractive for medium-sized businesses that wish to digitize without large IT investments and training efforts.
