From Paper to Digital Reports: How Conrad Timber Construction Uses Benetics for Real-Time Efficiency
- Industry: Timber construction
- Employees: 23
- Location: Mellingen (AG), Switzerland
The Challenge: Communication on the Edge
“Communication is the key word,” says Michael Hardmeier, Deputy Managing Director. “In the past, the plan was there, but no one knew if it was up to date. And on site, it often wasn’t available.” They tried tablets, but quickly returned to paper: too impractical on scaffolding, too sensitive to rain, and above all, not user-friendly.
Another issue: time-and-material reports – essential for billing additional work – were often not completed on time. “Our people should ideally report every day,” Michael continues. “But in the evening, there’s no time, and in the end, things slip through the cracks.” The result: unbilled work and frustration within the team.
The Solution: Voice Instead of Bottlenecks
With Benetics, the turnaround was immediate. “After we introduced Benetics, reporting changed overnight,” Michael recalls. “Today, our staff say: let me just do the report quickly – two minutes, done.”
The AI-powered voice assistant in the app, which everyone has on their smartphone, makes it possible.
Real-Time Information and Better Team Spirit
What used to be tedious now happens on the side. Information goes straight to the office, complete and without delay. “That’s a huge advantage,” says Hardmeier. And not only that: “In the past, project managers had to chase after reports. Today, there’s less stress and less frustration.” Even apprentices can now contribute easily to documentation. The foreman delegates, and the team grows with the responsibility.
Another example: withdrawals from the warehouse used to be handwritten on A4 sheets. Today, thanks to Benetics, workers simply dictate what was taken. Material flows are always up to date and fully traceable.
New Benefits That Last
- Faster communication: information flows seamlessly between site and office
- Better documentation: not only more, but also higher-quality documentation
- All documents always available: plans, checklists, safety documents – everything in your pocket
Conclusion: Digitalization That Makes a Difference
Conrad Timber Construction demonstrates how digital tools can improve not only processes, but also team spirit. Even initially sceptical staff have been convinced. For Michael, it’s clear: “Benetics has given us exactly what we were looking for – simple, practical, and ready to use from day one.”
