"We want to become a key driver of digital workflow management"

Sablono provides a web-platform and mobile application to manage and oversee complex construction and delivery management processes. Progress can be documented on site, while projects can be analyzed in real time. In addition, Sablono provides the infrastructure to track (prefabricated) components on their way to the construction site. Co-founder Florian Meichsner explains his perspective on the future of the construction industry.

(This interview is part of a larger dossier called "Construction Start-up Radar" )

1. What will the construction industry look like in 2020? What role does digitalization play?
   The construction industry will be far more digital and process-oriented by then. The production of buildings will increasingly take place off-site and prefabrication of components will play a much bigger role. We will see a lot more integrated and transparent supply chains that will produce demand-driven and just-in-time. In order to achieve this, information will have to flow seamlessly between the different players making interconnected systems and better digital technology a must.
   
   
2. What is your business model? What makes you and your company unique?
   Sablono provides a digital platform for Lean Construction Project Management. Our customers use our web-based platform to continuously monitor the execution and performance of their projects based on standardised construction processes and sequences. Project management can take scheduling and planning to a new level by comparing detailed progress data against the plan in real-time. People in the field report progress information via Sablono's mobile Inspect App which automatically updates schedules, performance charts and dashboards accordingly. QR-Codes can be used to track prefabricated components and material from production to delivery and the final installation or positioning on site.
   
   
3. What is your company vision (5 years)?
   Sablono wants to be a key driver of digital and process-oriented workflow management in construction. In 5 years from now, we would like to see our customers realising some of the most ambitious construction projects out there on time and on budget - "Powered by Sablono".
   
   
4. What does your revenue model look like?
   We offer a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. Our customers can choose between different subscription plans depending on the size of their projects and the number of users they need. Together with our technology partner SAP, we provide different hosting solutions: Sablono Cloud, SAP Cloud or on-premises.
   
   
5. How is your company funded?
   We are supported by our investors Allplan GmbH, High-Tech Gründerfonds and Hasso Plattner Ventures. Additionally, we are funded by the Pro FIT-Program of Investitionsbank Berlin which is co-financed by the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE).
   
   
6. As a start-up, what is your next goal? What partners do you need?
   Our next goal is to further distribute our solution to general contractors as well as project management and project development companies, both in Europe and globally. We are therefore interested in collaborating with established players in the market that can provide access to the right channels and people.
   
   
7. Who are your key clients?
   General contractors, construction companies, real estate companies and project management companies
   
   
8. What are the biggest challenges your clients are currently facing?
   The most pressing issues have to do with the lack of real-time information in order to take decisions quickly and reliably. Updates from the site are often delayed or not available at all. Project managers mostly receive unstructured and analogue site data, actually captured with pen and paper. The information gap is obvious here.
   
   
9. What options do you offer to potential clients to face their challenges (e.g. workshops, coachings)?
   Besides our Sablono Platform and the mobile Inspect App, we provide a comprehensive online knowledge base including online tutorials and videos on digital construction process management. Part of our services are trainings and workshops including joint project set-up workshops to get started with Sablono.
   
   
10. What prerequisites (e.g. infrastructure, trained personnel, etc.) do your clients need to bring?
    We take care of the whole infrastructure and maintenance of the system. All our clients need is to have access to a web browser that is connected to the internet. Our App is available for iOS and Android, but can be accessed from basically any portable device such as tablets or phones.You can get to know the platform, if you register for a free trial on www.sablono.com
    
    

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