When companies in the construction industry evaluate new software solutions – whether for machine management, rental or project management – we hear the same sentence more and more often these days:
“We need 3-4 interfaces – if you can implement that, you’re our first choice.”
The background: Many systems, little connection
Whether construction company or landlord – the IT landscape is often complex. Digital tools are used for:
- Machine and fleet management
- ERP and accounting
- Rental statement & handover protocols
- Maintenance planning and UVV documentation
These solutions fulfill their tasks – but often in isolation from each other. Data has to be transferred manually or maintained multiple times. This costs time, harbors the potential for errors and prevents smooth processes.
Our experience
As a provider of integrated software solutions for construction and rental, we have developed numerous interface-projects in recent years – and recognized key patterns in the process:
- Most customers require 2-3 relevant integrations.
Connections to ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Navision), accounting (e.g. DATEV), CRM or rental management systems are typical. - Interfaces are simpler than you might think.
Many companies initially have respect for this because they fear high costs or long project times. Our experience shows: With a clear needs analysis, close coordination and modern technology, interface projects can be planned well and implemented faster than many believe. - Nevertheless, interfaces are indispensable.
Those who dispense with manual data entry save time, reduce sources of error and benefit from clean, consistent data flows.
Our conclusion: Interfaces are not rocket science – they require a well thought-out concept and good communication, but they pay off very quickly. Good interface work starts with listening: If you understand internal processes and objectives, you can link systems sensibly – without workarounds or manual correction loops.
Why interfaces determine success or failure
Functionality alone is not enough – what counts is system openness.
Companies want solutions that can be integrated into their existing infrastructure – not more individual systems.
That’s exactly why our claim is:
Software that integrates seamlessly – into the reality on the construction site or in the rental business.
In Part 1, we looked at the fundamental question: What are interfaces anyway?
You will soon be able to read part 3, in which we show you step by step how an interface project actually works for us – from needs analysis to successful implementation.