Koppla and MBN GmbH
Interview with PropTech Startups
Provider
Integration partners
User
Koppla
#1 Operating system for LEAN Construction
MBN GmbH
Construction companies & services in Germany.
User
Calenberger Immobilien
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Integration parter
Partner XY
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Provider
EverReal
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‘Digitalisation – yes, but how?’ This question is currently occupying many established companies in the construction and property sector. When it comes to innovation, MBN consciously relies on cooperation with start-ups, e.g. to organise processes on construction sites according to the lean principle. We spoke to Innovation Manager Grigory Budnizkiy about his collaboration with the founders of Koppla and picked up some interesting tips for SMEs in the construction and property sector.
Grigory, what are your tasks as Innovation Manager at MBN?
At MBN, I deal with the topic of digitalisation. The main focus here is on construction execution, i.e. tools that are used on construction sites. I am in daily contact with our partner start-ups. When a new tool is introduced, I take care of employee training. At the same time, I am responsible for acquiring other interesting start-ups.
How do you get to know potential cooperation partners from the start-up sector?
In the beginning, we attended a lot of events, looked on LinkedIn or simply googled. We then made further contacts through the first start-ups. I now know the scene quite well, especially in Germany, but also internationally.
Can you tell us about a specific example of cooperation?
Yes, with pleasure! We got to know the Potsdam start-up Koppla at a very early stage at an event. The team hadn’t even been founded yet. They already had an idea and an app, but it was mainly aimed at craft businesses. We were looking for a solution to digitalise communication and organisation on lean construction sites. As the processes were similar, we decided to develop the tool in close partnership.
What happened next?
We met with the founders of Koppla very often and went through the processes of three construction projects that we wanted to organise according to the lean principle together. The Koppla team then created mocks that we analysed with our site managers and foremen, i.e. with those who would ultimately use the tool. This resulted in an initial product. At the same time, Koppla grew into a start-up with 14 employees. We are now using the tool on three construction sites, with plans to expand to seven more this year.
What added value does the Koppla app offer you?
The app is a communication platform between us as the general contractor and our subcontractors. They can use the interface to report, for example, whether they are completing certain tasks within the planned time frame and what the reasons are if this does not work, such as staff shortages, material shortages or faulty preliminary work. This gives us the opportunity to optimise processes. Our subcontractors also use the app to report the completion of individual work steps within a cycle and upload photos or documents.
Was there a particular challenge in this cooperation project?
Getting our subcontractors on board with the introduction of such innovative tools is a challenge. We imagined it would be easier at first and are now working on making it better and better. We now know that we can achieve a lot through good onboarding.
How do you get subcontractors on board?
The product should look as simple as possible. Our subcontractors are focussed on building quality and not on familiarising themselves with complicated applications. Of course, we don’t force anyone to use the app because a partnership-based relationship with our subcontractors is important to us. Instead, we rely on voluntary cooperation. However, this only works if it is clear to the subcontractors that the whole thing has a positive benefit for them too.
What tips would you give other companies that are also planning to collaborate with start-ups?
You shouldn’t necessarily expect a finished product. In my opinion, it is worth utilising the technical expertise of the start-ups and developing the tool yourself. In the end, you end up with a product that really suits you. That’s why it’s worth working in partnership.
The interview was conducted by our partner Ambivation. You can find more information here: https://ambivation.com/2021/02/01/startups-as-supporters-of-digitization-mbn-cooperates-with-koppla/
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