Digital transformation is more than just a supposedly overused buzzword; it has long been an absolute necessity that presents all industries with the challenge of adequately digitizing their business processes.
The construction industry, previously characterized by analogue and paper-based work processes, is a particular focus here - digital business processes offer the potential to increase efficiency and massively improve project quality.
However, the implementation of digital structures is accompanied by both opportunities and challenges. In this article, we shed light on how digital business processes and innovative technologies are not only fundamentally changing the planning and construction phases, but are also laying the foundations for sustainable construction and efficient resource and customer management.
The most important facts in brief
Digitalization as an efficiency driver: Digital business processes lead to a significant increase in efficiency and productivity through automation and optimized information flows.
Digital tools make decision-making easier: Advanced technologies such as AI and cloud computing provide support with a sound, data-based decision-making foundation.
Sustainability and safety: Appropriate software solutions support sustainable construction practices and improve occupational safety through precise planning, monitoring and management of construction projects.
What all falls under the term "digital business processes"?
The term primarily refers to the conversion of traditional, often manual or paper-based processes into automated, digital formats. This transformation enables companies to work more efficiently, transparently and scalably.
In the construction industry, where the complexity of projects and the need for precise coordination are particularly high, digital business processes can offer significant advantages. But what all falls under this multi-layered term?
Project management software: Enables centralized control from planning to execution, including time management and resource allocation.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Revolutionizes construction planning and data management and improves planning, archiving, execution and maintenance.
Mobile technologies: Facilitate access to construction plans in real time and improve documentation and communication between the office and the construction site.
Cloud software: Simplifies data management and sharing, promotes collaboration through secure access to large amounts of data.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Optimizes project planning and productivity through data analysis and pattern recognition.
Internet of Things (IoT): Sensors provide data for more efficient work processes and improved material and device utilization.
Automated construction processes: Increase efficiency and reduce errors by automating routine tasks.
Digital platforms for tenders: Accelerate and simplify the process of requesting bids and awarding contracts through transparent communication.
Digital business processes for administration and communication
Automation and digitalization play a central role in the implementation of effective processes. The use of digital technologies not only increases the efficiency and transparency of construction projects, but also improves collaboration between all parties involved:
Central communication platforms: Digital platforms promote the real-time exchange of information, improve communication between project participants and increase transparency through centralized document availability.
Digital document management: The use of digital business processes simplifies the management of construction plans and contracts and reduces the risk of data loss.
Automation of administrative tasks: Automating business processes, such as time recording and invoicing, saves time and resources, allowing teams to focus on their core tasks.
Digital tools for customer management: CRM systems for managing customers improve customer care by effectively tracking interactions and feedback, which leads to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
What are the advantages of digital business processes?
Even if it can be associated with hurdles: The implementation of digital business processes offers a multitude of competitive advantages that go far beyond simple automation:
Advantage
Definition
Increased efficiency
Digital tools automate recurring tasks, reduce manual effort and minimize errors, which leads to faster project implementation.
Improved communication
Central platforms facilitate the exchange of information in real time between all project participants, which improves coordination and reduces misunderstandings.
Increased transparency
Digital dashboards and tracking systems provide a comprehensive overview of the project status, enable effective monitoring and support well-founded decisions.
Cost savings
Significant cost savings can be achieved by optimizing processes and reducing waste.
Risk management
AI and analytics enable early risk detection and mitigation by recognizing patterns in data and warning of potential problems.
Flexibility and scalability
Cloud-based solutions enable flexible working methods and easy scaling of resources according to project requirements.
What are the potential disadvantages of digital business processes?
There are two sides to every coin - the digitalization of business processes brings with it both clear benefits and challenges:
High initial investment: The introduction of digital processes requires significant financial resources for technology and training. This is often an enormous hurdle, especially for medium-sized companies.
Implementation: Integrating digital systems into existing processes can be complicated and time-consuming.
Resistance to change: Employees who are used to traditional methods may be skeptical of innovations. Accordingly, strong change management, regular training and corresponding pilot projects are important.
Data security: Digitalization increases the risk of cyberattacks, which requires robust security measures.
Skills gaps: Digitalization requires specialized skills that require resources - and the corresponding specialists.
Digital business processes are essential for competitiveness
Digital business processes are more than just a nice-to-have to demonstrate the digital zeitgeist. Rather, they are essential in order to avoid being exposed to massive competitive disadvantages in global competition due to outdated structures and processes.
The implementation of digital business processes in the construction industry is primarily based on the harmonious integration of people, processes and technologies. Employees must be prepared for new digital tools through training and processes must be adapted and optimized accordingly.
In this context, the use of advanced technologies is essential to improve efficiency and communication. Digital solutions such as Viewpoint For Projects and Viewpoint Field View leverage the full potential of digital business processes with their specific advantages.
Digital business processes with Viewpoint for Projects
ISO 19650 compliance: Viewpoint for Projects meets international standards in information management for the construction industry.
Increased efficiency in construction processes: Enables more efficient design of construction processes through precise planning and analysis.
Improved coordination: Simplifies collaboration between all project participants.
Support for data-based decisions: Provides the basis for quick decisions based on extensive data.
Accessibility of construction documentation: Ensures access to important documents anytime and anywhere, both online and offline.
Process optimization on the construction site with Viewpoint Field View
Management of defects and tasks: Viewpoint Field View supports the creation of user-defined tasks in real time with precise location information.
Mobile forms: Speeds up the collection of information and facilitates the processing of daily tasks through use on smartphones and tablets.
Digitization of processes: Promotes efficiency and synergies by converting traditional work processes into digital formats.
Real-time communication: Ensures seamless communication between the office and the construction site.
Customizable project models: Enables the creation and management of detailed project models with comprehensive tracking options.
Reports and dashboards: Provides location managers with in-depth insights through charts, statistics and analytics.
Both solutions not only enable improved access to construction documentation and more efficient task management, but also a significant increase in project quality and safety. With them, digital business processes are the key to realizing future-proof, sustainable and successful construction projects in an increasingly networked world.
