Anyone who talks about digitalization in the construction industry automatically thinks of the Internet. Modern companies have an appealing website and an informative social media presence. But digitalization goes far beyond customer communication. More and more companies are using digital tools to reduce work or save costs. Today, digitalization increasingly means optimizing operational processes and business models.
However, the question of the clear definition of digitization is not easy to answer. The term is quite complex and its meaning has changed quite a bit over time. While this used to mean converting content on physically existing objects into digital data, today the term stands for the use of digital tools and their simultaneous networking.
Communication and digital reputation in the construction industry
Of course, the presentation of a company from the construction industry and communication with the customer with the help of the Internet is an important area of digitization. Because if you are not found via a search engine, you will not receive any new orders, at least via this channel. People no longer roll industry books, but search online. If they have found what they are looking for, they will inform themselves online on the homepage about the company, the team and the services offered before awarding the contract. Concrete offers and further background information generate trust in the potential customer.
Together with the publicly available opinions of other customers, the craftsman thus creates a digital reputation, a more or less good reputation. But reputation not only determines the award of contracts, it also influences employee recruitment. Finally, potential employees and, above all, trainees inform themselves about the company before applying. If digital visibility is lacking, they quickly lose interest.
Digital process optimization saves time and costs
But it’s not just about communication and marketing, digitalization can also deeply interfere with and optimize operational processes. Order processing is the best example of digitalization that is already well established in most companies. Hardly any company still creates an invoice manually today. The computer performs this task. From digital appointments to order slips and time recording via smartphone to invoice printed at the customer and central storage in document management – the paperless office is the vision of the future. However, the topic of Building Information Modeling (BIM) will also involve the construction industry in the medium term for holistic process optimization.
Technology helps with digitalization
The majority of the craft enterprises from the construction industry are already digitized in the master office. Computers, smartphones and tablets are used in an increasing age of time. But the technology continues to go further and saves companies considerable costs. For example, drones are already being used in roofing operations to inspect roof surfaces. The complex construction of a scaffolding eliminates the need for time and costs. In the future, 3D printers will not only enable spare parts for SHK operations, but also the production of precast concrete parts directly on the construction site.
New section “Digitalization in Construction”
The possibilities of digitalization are as diverse and innovative as the craft itself. Every farmer should therefore ask himself which digital channels they need for their operation and how they can involve their customers in an innovative manufacturing process. But many craft businesses are worried about taking part in the digital transformation. After all, digitalization not only increases accessibility, but also creates transparency and thus comparability in terms of price and performance. With the new section “Digitization in Construction”, the experts at construction software Australia can help you look more professional to your customers and help improve your business performance at the same time.