Digitisation changes workplace culture!
Continuous communication and documentation are essential when implementing a construction project. For example, communication can be quickly and effectively organised in an online videoconference. Various platforms are available for this purpose. Using features like digital whiteboards and document release, videoconference participants examine plans and documents together and take joint decisions.
In this context, it makes sense to digitally organise project management on a consistent basis. The right solution is cloud-based construction software from a creator who guarantees compliance with DSGVO requirements and provides a central location where all the information can be bundled and stored. Cloud-based solutions make it possible for multiple participants to work on documents and reports simultaneously, as well as ensuring professionally documented projects.
Taking targeted decisions to introduce appropriate solutions, steering a company’s workplace culture in the right direction and achieving “buy-in” from all those concerned requires comprehensive knowledge.
The role of learning in successful digitisation
A great many skilled crafts companies are already using software for calculation, final planning and accounting, both in the office and on the construction site via tablets or smartphones. Companies that are slightly further along have a digital document management system and digital construction documentation.
The increasing popularity of BIM (Building Information Modelling) also means that companies have a lot to learn and, for example, need to move away from the use of traditional 2D plans, whether on paper or on a screen. They need planners to provide a 3D model in order to be able to cooperate with other project partners during every implementation phase. This strengthens cooperation but also requires a certain level of expertise and a willingness to learn on the part of both the company and its employees.
Although employees are not strictly entitled to further training, employment contracts can contain agreements on paid or unpaid leave for attending training programmes.
Besides daily operations, entrepreneurs can discover innovations or even develop and implement them themselves – innovations that support them, for example, in the digitisation of their processes. Whether they succeed depends on various factors such as:
- Is there a willingness to further develop one’s self as well as the company?
- Do daily operations allow this?
- Is there a culture for working not only at but also on the company?
Businesses that are still working conventionally can also learn from digitally experienced partner companies and business partners or from start-ups in other sectors. Initiatives exist that bring together traditionally operating companies and innovators. Associations and organisations also offer events, ideas workshops and hacks.
Generational shift, digitisation and operational handovers
According to a study of the digitisation barometer for the construction and finishing trades in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, digitisation is of significant importance, especially for businesses whose owners are under the age of 50 and/or are highly trained or have more than four employees.
But it’s also important to develop digitisation expertise in companies with older managers, to constantly update that expertise and to systematically expand it as necessary, even if a succession in corporate management is not (yet) imminent. If the person assuming control of a business has already taken at least the initial steps in this direction in a systematic and structured manner, a foundation is laid that can be built on.
Summary
Digitisation starts with a company’s leaders. They have to be willing to transform their company and its workplace culture. Digitisation also requires a plan. It shouldn’t “sneak” into a company. It’s also important to consider that not all analogue processes make good digital processes if you map them 1:1 in the software. It’s always a good idea to closely examine existing processes, precisely document them and then selectively change them as needed. Digitisation is not a matter of “old wine in new wineskins” but rather a structured transformation into a future-ready company!
At the PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DIGITISATION Forum being held at FENSTERBAU FRONTALE + HOLZHANDWERK 2024, you can attend expert interviews that will show you how modern digital systems are changing everyday business and workplace culture in the skilled crafts sector, automating routine tasks, simultaneously speeding up and documenting processes and making it easier to comply with rules, regulations and quality standards.
For information on the topics of all the practical interviews and discussions, including times and information on the participants, consult the event schedule for the PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DIGITISATION Forum being held from 19 to 22 March 2024.
