The construction industry is a vital component of the global economy. Before the pandemic, the AEC sector recorded an astonishing investment volume of almost 12 billion USD and accounted for about 15% of the global GDP. Despite the challenges following the pandemic, such as geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions, the industry is expected to reach a revenue of 391.3 billion EUR in Germany alone by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 6.05%.
Written by: Diego Cisterna
The Challenge of Stagnation
However, the enormous size of this sector also presents significant hurdles. Data from the McKinsey Global Institute revealed a concerning trend: productivity in the construction industry has been stagnant for three decades, largely due to communication-related issues.
Communication as a Catalyst for Productivity
Improving project communication holds immense potential for increasing productivity. To tackle this, the abstract nature of communication must be addressed, which can be effectively measured using tools such as social network analysis (SNA).
Social Network Analysis in Practice
SNA transforms communication through surveys and algorithms into measurable data, resulting in sociograms and quantifiable indicators. This approach allows for the visualization and mathematical formalization of communication networks, identifying bottlenecks, isolated groups, and key influencers in knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
Common Communication Channels in Construction
The most common communication methods on construction sites include analog transmission (notes, printouts), oral communication (in person, phone, radio), and digital transmission (emails, WhatsApp). The latter, especially WhatsApp, offers significant automation potential.
The Widespread Use of Messaging Services
Globally, messaging services like WhatsApp are ubiquitous. In Germany, 92% of people regularly use WhatsApp. This trend is also reflected in the construction industry, where 72% of the workforce uses it for internal coordination and 55% for site documentation.
Introducing: Valoon – The Revolution in Construction Communication
Valoon is at the forefront of transforming chaotic chats into structured data in real-time using APIs and chatbots. It combines the advantages of messengers with essential features from construction management software, enhancing streamlined communication, efficient coordination, automated documentation, language translation, and personnel management.
Conclusion
Valoon ensures a smooth flow of information, supports personnel, and automates data collection, structuring, and reporting. This approach is crucial for unleashing the productivity potential in the construction industry, which makes Valoon not just a tool, but a transformative force.
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