The Problem: Why manual measurements fail in everyday HVAC work
Manual measurements with a measuring tape and notepad are a source of errors that lead to problems in 9 out of 10 projects. A transposed number or a forgotten position quickly causes discrepancies, preventing prompt billing. This is especially critical with VOB contracts when openings under 2.5 m² are not measured accurately. These small errors accumulate and can reduce the contribution margin of a project by up to 5%. Manually transferring data from the note to the office software costs at least 2 hours per week per employee and carries the risk of further errors. An efficient measurement software is therefore not a luxury, but a necessity. This outdated method is not only inefficient but also legally vulnerable and jeopardizes your company’s liquidity through delayed payments.
Increase precision: How an app reduces measurement errors to zero
A digital measurement app for sanitation eliminates transfer errors by 100% since data is recorded and synchronized directly on-site. Instead of relying on illegible handwriting, you depend on structured input forms that minimize entry errors. Modern apps allow direct connection to laser measuring devices via Bluetooth, enabling measurements with an accuracy of 1-2 millimeters to be directly recorded in the log. The structured capture ensures that no position from the service specifications is forgotten. The result is an error-free measurement log that is immediately ready for further processing. The mobile data collection on the construction site ensures that all measurements are correct from the very first moment. With this precision, you create a reliable basis for the entire project billing.
Ensure legal certainty: VOB-compliant measurements at the push of a button
Compliance with the Public Procurement and Contract Regulations for Construction Services (VOB) is crucial for a recognized billing in many contracts. A good measurement app for sanitation automatically considers the specific rules of VOB/C. The system can be configured to apply the correct billing rules for your trade. A central advantage is the seamless documentation that an app enables:
- Every measurement value is tagged with a timestamp and the name of the processor.
- Photos can be directly associated with a position to substantiate the on-site situation.
- Changes are versioned and are 100% traceable.
- The completed log can be signed directly by the client on the tablet or smartphone.
This tamper-proof documentation is invaluable in disputes and secures your claims. Such a system makes your measurements VOB-compliant and unassailable. This turns documentation from a tedious obligation into a strategic advantage in the project.
Optimize processes: From measurement to invoice in 3 steps
The true strength of a digital solution lies in accelerating the entire workflow from measurement to invoicing. The process shortens from several days to often less than an hour. The digital chain reduces administrative effort by up to 15 hours per project manager per month. The seamless integration between the construction site and the office is the key. Here’s what the optimized process looks like:
- Capture: The technician captures the measurements on-site using the app. The data is automatically linked to the correct project and uploaded to the cloud.
- Check: The project manager in the office receives a notification and can immediately check and approve the data. There are no more waiting times.
- Bill: With just one click, the approved measurement data is transferred to the billing software, and the invoice is generated.
This acceleration significantly improves your company’s liquidity. The photo documentation app supports visually underpinning the entire process. The next logical step is to simplify the tool itself to ensure acceptance within the team.
The Valoon solution: Measuring as easy as WhatsApp
Many digital tools fail due to their complexity and low acceptance among employees on the construction site. Valoon solves this problem by offering a familiar interface: WhatsApp. Your employees do not need a new app or a single day of training. They simply capture measurements via message, photo, or voice message in a WhatsApp group. Valoon automatically structures this information in the background and creates a clean, legally compliant measurement log. This simplicity ensures a 100% usage rate within the team. While the construction site operates free of charge via WhatsApp, the office benefits from the powerful web platform for management and evaluation. This bridge between the construction site and the office makes digital tools for craftsmen finally practical.
Conclusion: Your advantage with a simple measurement app
Switching from paper-based management to a digital measurement app for sanitation is one of the most effective measures to increase efficiency in HVAC trades. You minimize errors, accelerate billing by more than 50%, and create legally compliant documentation. With Valoon, this transition is achieved without training effort and with full acceptance within the team. The combination of simplicity for the construction site and strong functionality for the office makes the difference. Secure these advantages now and make your project billing faster and more secure than ever before. Book your free demo now and see for yourself how easy digitalizing measurements can be.
More Links
Wikipedia describes measurements, a method for capturing and documenting dimensions and quantities on the construction site.
Wikipedia explains construction documentation, which summarizes all relevant information about a construction project.
Main Association of the German Construction Industry addresses the topic of digitalization in the construction industry.
Haufe explains how digital construction documentation can be made legally compliant.
Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics describes the competencies of the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) in the area of digitalization in construction.
FAQ
Is the measurement capture with Valoon really legally compliant?
Yes. Although the input is via WhatsApp, all data (messages, images, voice notes) is stored by Valoon on a secure server with an immutable timestamp. An accurate, chronological, and traceable PDF log is generated in the office that serves as legally compliant proof.
Do my employees on the construction site have to install a new app?
No. That is the key advantage of Valoon. Your employees on-site communicate and document as usual via WhatsApp. No installation, no training, and no adjustment is necessary.
What costs are incurred for the employees on-site?
For employees on-site using WhatsApp, Valoon is completely free. Costs only arise for the licenses of users in the office using the web platform for management, evaluation, and document creation.
Can I connect Valoon with my existing billing software?
Valoon is designed to allow for easy data export. You can download the measurement data as a structured PDF or Excel file and import it into your existing calculation and billing software. This avoids double data entry.
For which trades besides sanitation is Valoon suitable?
Valoon is designed for all trades in the construction and trades sector where clean documentation between the construction site and office is crucial. These include not only HVAC trades but also drywall construction, electrical installation, landscaping, and general contractors.
How quickly can I start with Valoon?
Getting started with Valoon is possible within 24 hours. After a short online introduction for office staff, you can immediately create your first project and begin communication with the construction site via WhatsApp.
