Practical construction site apps

Trades 4.0: Take advantage of digitalization not only in the office, but also on the construction site: There are many practical apps specifically for tradespeople that save valuable working time on-site with the customer. An overview.

This article is part of the special feature on digital craftsmanship.

Many apps have become a matter of course in everyday working life: navigation via mobile phone or the weather forecast on the smartphone's home screen are useful aids when on the go.

However, there are numerous specialized apps specifically for tradespeople that save valuable working time on construction sites or at customer locations. In addition, various trades benefit from useful industry-specific apps that provide, for example, product catalogs , assembly instructions , or other reference materials . This allows tradespeople to access practical industry knowledge anytime, even on the go.

Document projects on the go

Photo: © dogachov/123RF.com

Apps for construction site, photo, and project documentation offer significant relief for businesses . The mobile collection and centralized storage of texts and photos facilitates collaboration with the office, as all employees can access the necessary data immediately and simultaneously. Furthermore, this makes comprehensive documentation much easier.

Digital tools in this area include the WerkerApp and Craftnote . The WerkerApp allows users to capture text via voice input, export project folders and photos, and record the weather at the construction site. The Craftnote app also offers a wide range of functions: In addition to clear project and folder structures, it provides a chat function, a camera with image editing capabilities, and a PDF scanner. And with integrated task management and time tracking, employees always have important information at their fingertips.

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Communicate securely on the go

If employees need to communicate securely while on the go, GDPR-compliant apps are recommended. Wire, for example, offers messaging, phone and video conferencing, and file sharing with end-to-end encryption. Each employee can register up to eight devices, and all participants in conversations must authenticate themselves using security features, such as fingerprint scanning.

Digital planning and calculation

Project planning is often faster with apps. For example , Masterplan AR can be used to measure areas and rooms, calculate project costs, or create cost estimates.

Those who need a digital planning board instead can save time with the app of the same name from Filitime GmbH . With proper planning, workflows are optimized and every employee has access to their current tasks while on the go.

Apps for receipts and service reports

Photo: © Thomas Busch

If employees frequently write receipts, a suitable app is recommended to reduce time and paperwork – for example, Receipts Lite or Thumbify . These apps enable digital signatures and receipts are sent via email.

For those who need customer-signed service reports, documentation, and project management documents, apps like Addigo ServiceReport are available. Customers sign directly on their smartphone or tablet, and the report is automatically synchronized with the company's accounting department. The app also allows users to create invoices.

Does a customer want to pay cashless on the spot? Then an app like iZettle Go is a useful service. In conjunction with a card reader, customers can immediately settle outstanding amounts by debit or credit card and then receive a receipt via email.

Apps for the SHK sector

Special apps are also available for businesses in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) sector, simplifying their processes. For example, the "Heating Optimization " app , developed in cooperation with the German Association for Sanitary, Heating, and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK), calculates potential savings, costs, and BAFA subsidies for heating system optimization and presents this information clearly to customers. Also practical for on-site work is the "SHK TV" app , featuring over 300 product catalogs and 700 product and installation videos.

Try the app in advance 

Before purchasing an app, it's always advisable to look for a trial or free "lite" version. This allows businesses to try out the app in advance and check whether its functionality and usability meet their expectations.

Checklist: More security when purchasing apps

• Avoid changing the factory security settings on your devices. This reduces the risk of malware or viruses being installed unnoticed.
• Use up-to-date virus scanners on tablets and smartphones.
• Only store sensitive data on your devices in encrypted form. This prevents it from being read by dubious apps or hackers.
• Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the app stores of Google, Amazon or Apple.
• Before purchasing an app, always read the fine print, such as terms and conditions, contract terms, or terms of use. This way, you can avoid subscription traps or purchasing apps from dubious providers.
• Check what access and permissions an app requests. Avoid installing apps that request too many permissions for no good reason, such as accessing your address book or your location.
• If you have purchased apps and/or subscriptions, check your account regularly for unauthorized charges.