The communication dilemma: Why conventional messengers fail on the construction site
Countless messages are exchanged daily on German construction sites, yet efficiency suffers. A study shows that inadequate communication is one of the main causes of error costs, which amounted to around 16.5 billion euros in 2021. Private messengers like WhatsApp exacerbate the problem: Important information gets lost in unstructured group chats and becomes difficult to find later.
Another issue is data protection. Using WhatsApp for business purposes is highly problematic under the GDPR, as contact data is transmitted to servers in the USA without consent. This poses a significant legal risk for every construction company. Furthermore, essential functions are missing, which a professional construction site app provides, such as the structured recording of defects or the automatic creation of daily construction reports. The lack of separation between private and professional communication quickly leads to frustration among employees and lowers acceptance for digital tools. This unprofessional approach jeopardizes not only legal certainty but also the productivity of the entire team.
Legal certainty as a foundation: Requirements for modern construction documentation
Comprehensive and traceable construction documentation is not an optional extra, but a legal necessity. It serves as critical evidence in disputes over defects, amendments, or billing. The German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB) mandate detailed documentation requirements, non-compliance with which can lead to the loss of claims for remuneration. Every deviation from the plan, every hindrance, and every service rendered must be precisely recorded.
A modern construction app for employees automates this process and minimizes effort. Here are the core requirements:
- Comprehensive recording: All communication processes, photos with timestamps and GPS data, as well as documents must be stored in an unchangeable manner.
- Structured filing: Information must be organized based on projects and processes, enabling quick retrieval at any time.
- GDPR compliance: The processing of personal data must comply with strict European data protection regulations.
- Export functions: Data must be easily exportable as legally secure reports (e.g., daily construction reports, defect logs).
Without such a digital solution, efficient team communication is hardly legally secure to implement. Manual maintenance of daily construction reports is error-prone and consumes valuable time that is lacking on the construction site.
More than just chat: Core functions of a practical construction app
A powerful construction app for employees construction app goes far beyond simple messaging functions. It consolidates all relevant processes into a single, intuitive application, becoming the central hub for construction and project managers. Studies show that the use of such apps can increase efficiency on construction sites by up to 25%.
The key functions at a glance:
- Automated daily construction report: Employees report progress through photos or voice messages, and the app automatically generates a comprehensive and VOB-compliant report.
- Digital defect management: Defects are recorded with photo, location, and description, assigned to a responsible party, and their resolution is tracked.
- Mobile time tracking: Working hours are recorded directly on site, which speeds up payroll processing by up to 80%.
- Measurement recording via app: Measurements can be digitally created directly on-site and forwarded for quick billing.
- Document management: All stakeholders have access to current plans, delivery notes, and other important documents at any time.
These tools significantly reduce administrative effort and enable real-time communication between the construction site and the office. This leaves more time for the actual work on the construction project.
Ensuring employee acceptance: The key lies in simplicity
The best software is useless if employees do not adopt it. Skepticism towards complex new technologies is high in the construction industry. Many on-site employees want and should not have to deal with complicated apps. The decisive factor for a successful introduction is, therefore, a solution that requires no training efforts.
Valoon addresses this problem by leveraging a familiar application already used by over 90% of employees: WhatsApp. Employees on the construction site communicate as usual via voice messages, photos, or texts. Valoon processes this information in the background and structures it in a legally secure manner for the office. No new app installation is needed for the construction team. This approach overcomes the biggest hurdle in digitization and ensures immediate acceptance throughout the team. A familiar messenger interface is the fastest way to digitization.
Conclusion: The right construction app for employees is a competitive advantage
Investing in a well-thought-out construction app for employees construction app is not merely a cost issue but a strategic decision for greater efficiency and legal security. Given a shortage of skilled workers, where 64% of construction companies struggle to fill positions, optimizing processes is essential. Through the automation of documentation and the simplification of communication, valuable resources are freed up.
With Valoon, you choose a straightforward and practical approach. You eliminate the WhatsApp chaos without burdening your employees with new software. You save up to 60 minutes per project manager daily and ensure comprehensive, legally secure documentation. Take the first step towards a more efficient construction site.
Book your free demo now and find out how Valoon simplifies communication in your company.
More Links
The theme page of the Main Association of the German Construction Industry provides comprehensive information on digitization in the construction industry.
The press release from the Fraunhofer Society highlights the numerous potentials of digitization in construction.
An article by Haufe explains how digital construction documentation can be designed to be legally secure and efficient.
FAQ
Do my employees need to install and learn a new app?
No, not with Valoon. Your employees on the construction site continue to use WhatsApp as usual. No installation, no training, and no adjustment is necessary. All messages, photos, and voice memos are automatically processed by Valoon in the background and documented in a legally secure manner.
Is communication via Valoon legally secure and GDPR compliant?
Yes. All data is stored on German servers according to the highest security standards and is 100% GDPR compliant. The documentation is unalterable and includes timestamps and location stamps, making it usable as evidence in court in case of disputes.
Does the app support multilingual teams?
Yes, Valoon features an integrated live translation function. A message can be recorded in one language and read by the recipient in their own language. This overcomes language barriers and reduces misunderstandings in international teams on the construction site.
What reports can I create with the software?
You can create professional and legally secure reports with just one click. These include the daily construction report (daily or weekly reports), defect logs, photo documentation, and timesheets. All reports can be exported as PDFs and forwarded directly.
For what company size is Valoon suitable?
Valoon is suitable for construction and craft companies of all sizes, from small craft businesses to large general contractors. The platform is scalable and flexibly adapts to your project requirements.
What does it cost for the team on the construction site?
For employees on the construction site, the use is completely free. Costs only arise for the licenses of office staff who evaluate the data and manage the projects. This pricing model lowers the entry barrier and promotes quick implementation throughout the company.
