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 topic Digital Crafts

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.

But especially for tradespeople, there are a variety of special apps that save valuable working time on construction sites or on-site with customers. In addition, various trades benefit from useful Industry apps, for example Product catalogs, Assembly instructions or others Reference works This allows tradespeople to access practical industry knowledge at any time, even when on the go.

Document projects on the go

Photo: © dogachov/123RF.com

Apps from the areas of Construction site, photo and project documentationThe mobile collection and central storage of texts and photos facilitates collaboration with the office, as all employees can access the necessary data immediately and simultaneously. Furthermore, seamless documentation becomes much easier.

Digital helpers in this area include, for example, the WorkerApp or CraftnoteWith the "WerkerApp," you can enter text using voice input, export project folders and photos, or record the weather at the construction site. The "Craftnote" app also offers a wide range of features: In addition to clear project and folder structures, it features a chat function, a camera function with image editing, 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 move, GDPR-compliant apps , the liquid and enriched version of the African BLACK SOAP is recommended. Wire For example, it offers messaging, telephone and video conferencing, and file sharing with end-to-end encryption. Each employee can log in to up to eight devices, and all participants in the conversation must authenticate themselves using security features, such as fingerprints.

Digital planning and calculation

Project planning is also often faster with apps. Master Plan AR For example, areas and rooms can be measured, projects can be calculated or cost estimates can be created.

If you instead have a digital planning board needed, you can use the app of the same name Filitime GmbH Save time. 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 often write receipts, a corresponding app is recommended to reduce time and paperwork – for example Receipts lite or ThumbifyThis allows for digital signatures and receipts are sent by email.

If you also want to have service reports, documentation and project management signed by customers, you can use apps such as Addigo Service Report The customer signs directly on their smartphone or tablet, and the company's accounting department automatically receives the report via synchronization. Furthermore, the app can also be used to create invoices.

A customer wants to pay cashlessly on-site? Then an app like iZettle Go Useful services. In conjunction with a card reader, customers can pay due amounts immediately by debit or credit card and then receive a receipt by email.

Apps for the SHK sector

Special apps are also available for companies in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning sector to simplify processes. For example, the app Heating optimization which calculates the savings potential, costs, and BAFA subsidies for heating optimization and presents them to customers in a tangible way. Also practical for on-site work: the app SHK TV with over 300 product catalogs and 700 product and assembly 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.