The construction industry is a vital part of the global economy. Before the pandemic, the AEC sector recorded an astonishing investment volume of nearly $12 billion and contributed about 15% to global GDP. Despite the challenges post-pandemic such as geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions, the industry is expected to reach a revenue of €391.3 billion in Germany alone by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 6.05%.
Written by: Diego Cisterna
The Stagnation Challenge
However, the enormous size of this sector also presents significant hurdles. Data from the McKinsey Global Institute showed a concerning trend: productivity in the construction industry has stagnated 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 address this, the abstract nature of communication must be tackled, which can be effectively measured using tools like social network analysis (SNA).
Social Network Analysis in Practice
SNA transforms communication into measurable data through surveys and algorithms, resulting in sociograms and quantifiable indicators. This approach allows for the visualization and mathematical formalization of communication networks and identifies bottlenecks, isolated groups, and key influencers in knowledge exchange and problem-solving.
Common Communication Channels in Construction
The most common communication methods on construction sites include analog transmission (notes, prints), 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
Worldwide, messaging services like WhatsApp are ubiquitous. In Germany, 92% of people use WhatsApp regularly. 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 benefits of messengers with essential features of 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 unlocking productivity potential in the construction industry, making Valoon not just a tool, but a transformative force.
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