How do you digitise a construction company? A practical guide to successful transformation
Day-to-day life on a construction site today means one thing above all else: high pressure with limited resources. Schedules are tight, and information is either missing or scattered. Coordination takes up valuable time – and yet many processes are still carried out manually and with little coordination. Meanwhile, the demands are constantly increasing: Clients expect transparency, documentation must be complete, yet at the same time there is a shortage of staff and planning certainty. Against this backdrop, it becomes clear that without digital tools, it is virtually impossible to implement projects economically and reliably. But how does one get started with digitalisation – and how can this transformation be sustainably embedded within the company?
Why technical innovations are indispensable in the construction industry today
The challenges facing the construction industry are nothing new, but they have intensified in recent years. Without support, many companies are reaching their limits. According to the 2023 SME Digitalisation Index, 93% of the companies surveyed are prepared to maintain or increase their spending on digital solutions. “It is precisely in economically challenging times that the true power of digital processes becomes apparent – those who invest today will reap the benefits of greater efficiency, transparency and control tomorrow,” says Wolfgang Nagy, Industry Lead at NAVAX.
Studies by McKinsey show that, through digital optimisation, construction companies can save up to 15% on construction costs and complete projects up to 30% faster. The economic benefits are therefore well established and more than just a theoretical advantage. One example of a technical innovation that puts these benefits into practice is MEGABAU’s BIM Connector. This enables data to be transferred directly into the ERP system, thereby creating a seamless connection.
The first steps towards a successful start to digitalisation
Embarking on digital transformation need not be a mammoth project. Rather, the key to success lies in a well-thought-out, pragmatic approach. It is often targeted measures in particularly labour-intensive or error-prone areas that bring about immediate, tangible improvements – whether through time savings, greater transparency or a reduction in sources of error.
The first and most important step is to critically analyse existing processes. Without a clear understanding of one’s own weaknesses, targeted digitalisation is virtually impossible. The following guiding questions can help:
- Where are inefficiencies occurring today? – Are there media breaks, duplicate data entry or missing interfaces?
- Which tasks take up an excessive amount of time? – Is data entered manually, are documents still processed in paper form, or is information sent back and forth via email?
- Where do errors occur regularly? – Are different systems in use that do not communicate with one another (siloed solutions)? How often do misunderstandings or loss of information occur?
The analysis usually reveals clear starting points for initial digitalisation projects. It is advisable to start small and with specific, concrete steps. Examples of such pilot projects might include:
- Digital time recording to replace manual timesheets and reduce administrative workload.
- A mobile construction log via an app, which simplifies documentation on site and is available to all parties involved in real time.
- Digital management of project files to minimise the time spent searching for information and improve access to it.
“Digitalisation is not just about technology – above all, it is about rethinking processes and making them more efficient. Companies that take the step towards digitalisation today will secure long-term competitive advantages.”
Identifying challenges in construction companies and addressing them strategically
Of course, the path is not without its hurdles, as there is often a lack of in-house IT expertise and the necessary capacity. According to a study by PwC, 91% of respondents see the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of technical know-how as the biggest obstacles to the use of digital solutions.
The following points represent three particularly common stumbling blocks:
- Internal resistance: Employees often fear being replaced by digitalisation or feeling overwhelmed by it. Early involvement, training and transparent communication are essential here.
- A confusing array of tools: There is a multitude of siloed solutions. It is therefore important to opt for modular, scalable systems that can be integrated into existing IT structures.
- Lack of time for the transition: Many businesses are bogged down in day-to-day operations. An experienced technology partner can help define clear timelines and realistic steps.
How technology partnerships are facilitating change in the construction industry
The collaboration between NAVAX, as an integration partner, and the MEGABAU solution from Network Dimensions demonstrates just how important it is to combine in-depth industry knowledge. Numerous digitalisation projects have already been successfully implemented using the Microsoft technology platform and the MEGABAU software. Companies receive not just software, but a strategic sparring partner who understands, supports and continuously optimises processes. “Companies should not view digitalisation as a threat, but as an opportunity to scrutinise and redesign processes,” emphasises Günther Schwaiger, Managing Director of the Network Dimensions Group.
Digital transformation with substance rather than a rush job
Digitalisation in construction firms is not an end in itself. It is a strategic tool for increasing efficiency, making projects more predictable and meeting the industry’s growing demands. The key to success lies in a well-thought-out, modular approach and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Those who invest in digitalisation today are securing their company’s future, with measurable results and genuine added value for all stakeholders.
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