How do you digitise a construction company? A practical guide to successful change
Everyday life on a construction site today means one thing above all: a high workload with limited resources. Schedules are tight, information is missing or scattered. Coordination costs valuable time - and yet many processes are still analogue and poorly coordinated. At the same time, requirements are constantly increasing: clients expect transparency, documentation must be complete and at the same time there is a lack of personnel and planning security. In this area of conflict, it becomes clear that projects can hardly be realised economically and reliably without digital tools. But how can digitalisation be successfully introduced - and how can this change be sustainably anchored in the company?
Why technical innovations are indispensable in the construction industry today
The challenges in the construction industry are not new, but they have intensified in recent years. Without support, many companies are reaching their limits. According to the SME 2023 digitalisation index, 93% of the companies surveyed are prepared to maintain or increase their spending on digital solutions. "Especially in economically challenging times, it becomes clear how strong the leverage of digital processes really is - those who invest today will gain in efficiency, transparency and controllability tomorrow," says Wolfgang Nagy, Industry Lead at NAVAX.
Studies by McKinsey prove this: Digital optimisation can save construction companies up to 15% of construction costs and complete projects up to 30% faster. The economic benefits have therefore long been demonstrable and are more than just a theoretical advantage. One example of a technical innovation that puts these benefits into practice is the BIM connector from MEGABAU. This allows data to be transferred directly to the ERP system, creating a seamless connection.
The first steps for a successful start
Embarking on the digital transformation does not have to 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 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 the existing processes. Without a clear understanding of your own weak points, targeted digitalisation is hardly possible. The following key questions will help:
Where do frictional losses occur today? - Are there media disruptions, duplicate data entries or missing interfaces?
Which tasks take up an excessive amount of time? - Is data entered manually, are receipts still processed in paper form or is information sent back and forth by email?
Where do errors regularly occur? - Are different systems in use that do not communicate with each other (isolated solutions)? How often do misunderstandings or loss of information occur?
The analysis usually results in clear starting points for initial digitalisation projects. It is advisable to deliberately start small and concrete. Examples of such pilot projects could be
Digital time recording to replace manual timesheets and reduce administrative work.
A mobile construction diary via app that facilitates documentation on the construction site and is available to all parties involved in real time.
Digital management of project files to minimise search efforts and improve access to information.
Wolfgang Nagy, Industry Head at NAVAX, puts it in a nutshell: "Digitalisation is not just about technology - above all, it's about rethinking processes and making them more efficient. Companies that take the step towards digitalisation today will secure long-term competitive advantages."
Recognising challenges and meeting them strategically
Of course, the path is not free of hurdles, as there is often a lack of internal IT expertise and the necessary capacities. According to a study by PwC, 91% of respondents see a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of technical expertise as the biggest obstacles to using digital solutions.
The following points are three particularly common stumbling blocks:
Internal resistance: employees:inside often fear being replaced or overwhelmed by digitalisation. Early involvement, training and transparent communication are essential here.
Confusing tool landscape: There is a multitude of isolated solutions. It is therefore important to rely on modular, scalable systems that can be integrated into existing IT structures.
Lack of time for changeover: Many companies are stuck in day-to-day business. An experienced technology partner can help to define clear timetables and realistic steps.
How technology partnerships facilitate change
The collaboration between NAVAX as an integration partner and the MEGABAU solution from Network Dimensions shows how important it is to combine in-depth industry knowledge. Numerous digitalisation projects have already been successfully implemented with the Microsoft technology platform and MEGABAU software. Companies not only receive software, but also a strategic sparring partner that understands, supports and continuously optimises processes. "Companies should not see digitalisation as a threat, but as an opportunity to question and redesign processes," emphasises Günther Schwaiger, Managing Director of the Network Dimensions Group.
Digital change with substance instead of a quick fix
Digitalisation in construction companies is not an end in itself. It is a strategic tool for increasing efficiency, making projects easier to plan and meeting the increased demands of the industry. The key to success lies in a well thought-out, modular approach and the willingness to question the familiar. Investing in digitalisation today will secure the future of your company, with measurable results and real added value for everyone involved.
This might also interest you
Invest time in building up your knowledge. This will put you in a stronger position for the future. Our webinars are also available on-demand - whatever suits you best.
