Digitization is a marathon, not a sprint

If you want to reach your goal, you need the right attitude

With the right software, digitization is not that difficult for construction companies. However, in order to achieve long-term success, companies need to embrace consistent change. Stefan Neumann, Managing Director at 123onsite, explains the mindset that helps construction companies achieve successful digitalization and what marathon running has to do with it in the impulse article for construction companies.

Let’s start with a little thought experiment: Imagine you’re running a marathon for the first time. The first thing you do is get your best sports equipment out of the cupboard, then you set off straight away. You don’t start with a short distance, but run ten kilometers as quickly as possible the first time. Disillusionment is inevitable: After ten kilometers, running without preparation is definitely no longer enjoyable. It was no fun. You didn’t see anything great on the way – it was just a huge effort. You are completely exhausted.

Some construction companies expect too much at once when it comes to digitalization. The fact that things don’t work out is not due to the new software or the new tools, just as sportswear is not responsible for exhaustion during a marathon. Contractors simply misjudge the extent of the change and their own speed.

Das Wichtigste: Anfangen! Und dann stetig weitermachen

Bei der Digitalisierung wie auch beim Laufen ist das Wichtigste der erste Schritt, den man gehen muss. Nur die Sportsachen anzuziehen, aber nicht loszulaufen, bringt nichts. Doch Schritt für Schritt gehen Läufer dem Ziel entgegen. Es ist auch bei der Digitalisierung empfehlenswert, schrittweise vorzugehen. Such dir zunächst die Schmerzpunkte, die du kennst und die du auf jeden Fall digital lösen möchtest. Du möchtest zum Beispiel endlich deine Stundenzettel digitalisieren? Dann beginne genau damit – mache erste Erfahrungen und bewerte die Neuerung für dich.

Softwareanbieter wie 123erfasst bieten viele unterschiedliche Module an. Bauunternehmer können aus Zeiterfassung, Bautagebuch, Fotodokumentation, Geräteerfassung oder Disposition wählen.

Diese Module geben dir die Möglichkeit, sehr schnell sehr viel zu erfassen. Als Unternehmer solltest du bei der Einführung neuer Software oder neuer Tools jedoch immer daran denken, dass du mit deinem Team eine Lernkurve vor dir hast. Deine Mitarbeiter müssen sich erst an den Umgang mit den neuen Tools gewöhnen. Das ist eine Veränderung in ihrem Arbeitsleben, dafür brauchen sie Zeit.

Es ist wirklich wie beim Marathontraining: Nicht ein einziger Trainingslauf bringt etwas, sondern eine Wiederholung über längere Zeit. Und es sollte deshalb auch ausreichend Zeit vorhanden sein, um zu überprüfen, ob ihr euch verbessert oder steigert.

Start your digitalization at your own comfortable pace

A marathon is long. That’s why it’s better not to start running at maximum speed, but to start at a comfortable speed. A successful strategy for marathon runners is to run the first half slower than the second half of the distance. You can accelerate a little towards the end, but at the beginning everyone has to adjust to the new situation.

There are partners who support you with digitalization – just like in a marathon

A marathon is usually a big event. Runners are not alone in the competition. Some athletes have regular running partners with whom they tackle the challenge together. Others join so-called train runners. These run a fixed target time that is significantly lower than their actual best time. This gives marathon participants a better chance of achieving their desired time. There are aid stations to the right and left of the race route at regular intervals, which provide participants with water, bananas or isotonic drinks. This gives runners everything they need along the way.

The same applies to digitalization with our consultants. These are employees who have already carried out similar digitalization measures several times. They have experience that they are happy to pass on. Our consultants will guide you and your company at speed, act as train runners for digitalization or hand your team a metaphorical banana.

The best time to start is right now – for marathon training as well as for digitalization

Starting to run is possible regardless of age. Although it often becomes more difficult to start exercising as you get older, the good news is that it’s never too late and everyone can improve, regardless of age.

The same applies to companies. For entrepreneurs looking for a successor, it still makes sense to think about digitization measures. Because this way they can significantly increase the value of the company before the sale. The new company owner will be just as pleased with a successful digitalization as the outgoing one.

Image credits: pixelfit/E+ via Getty Images; LeoPatrizi/iStock via Getty Images