Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry: Ways out of the Crisis, illustrated by the Shortage of skilled Workers
by Sarah Zonsius | August 29th, 2025
While construction companies are suffering from declining order numbers and a massive shortage of skilled workers, digitalization is opening up completely new opportunities. With the right methods and tools, projects can be designed more efficiently and sustainably and also implemented with fewer staff. The term “Construction Industry 4.0” refers to the use of modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), automation, and artificial intelligence, and is considered the key to making the industry crisis-proof.
In this article, you will learn how Construction 4.0 works, why the shortage of skilled workers will shape the industry in the long term, and what opportunities digital strategies offer construction companies in the coming years.
Construction Industry 4.0 – Digital technologies that are transforming the construction industry
The term “Construction Industry 4.0” is based on the fourth industrial revolution and describes the use of modern technologies that drive digitalization, automation, and networking in the construction industry. The aim is to make construction projects more efficient, sustainable, and safer—from planning and execution to maintenance.
However, this is not about the use of software for calculations, time recording on construction sites, or material orders, which has already been in use for several years, but rather about investments in IT, training, and infrastructure that bring about long-term and comprehensive change.
A central element is Building Information Modeling (BIM). This involves mapping the entire construction project as a digital 3D model that bundles all relevant information and is continuously updated. Architects, engineers, construction companies, and clients can thus collaborate in real time and track changes immediately. The big advantage: BIM creates common interfaces through which all parties involved can work collaboratively and respond to discrepancies at an early stage.
Scanning processes form an essential basis for BIM models. Construction sites or existing buildings are captured with millimeter precision using laser scans or photogrammetric images. The resulting point clouds or image data are then converted into precise 3D models using specialized software. This not only allows existing structures to be digitally reproduced in detail, but also enables deviations from the planning status to be quickly identified. This significantly increases the timeliness and accuracy of BIM models, leading to more efficient processes and a significant reduction in planning errors.
Technologies such as robotics and drones are increasingly taking on tasks such as surveying, inspections, and even the transport of building materials on construction sites. Their use accelerates workflows, reduces hazards for skilled workers, and creates precise data bases. 3D printing opens up the possibility of manufacturing components or entire building elements directly on site. In addition, modern sensor technology and IoT systems ensure that construction progress, the condition of machines, and material consumption can be monitored and evaluated in real time.
Skills shortage in the construction industry – a challenge with long-term effects
Despite all the technological advances, the shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest problems facing the construction industry, and it does not stop at Construction 4.0. At first glance, the skilled labor situation in the German construction industry appears to have eased: according to surveys, the proportion of companies complaining about a lack of personnel has fallen from 77 to 59 percent. But this development is deceptive. The decline is primarily a consequence of the current construction slump; fewer orders simply mean less demand for labor. As soon as the economy picks up again, the bottleneck will return with full force.
Added to this is the demographic trend: in the coming years, a “pension wave” will hit the industry. As early as 2024, around 12,340 new training contracts will be offset by almost 19,800 retirements. What is particularly critical is that around 40 percent of trainees drop out of their construction apprenticeships prematurely, representing an enormous potential loss of young talent. According to forecasts, the industry could be short of around 300,000 skilled workers by 2030.
The consequences for builders and clients are clear: as soon as demand rises again, there is a risk of bottlenecks in terms of personnel, deadlines, and budgets. Projects will then have to be planned even more carefully and implemented more efficiently in order to avoid delays and cost explosions.
This is where Construction Industry 4.0 comes in. Digital tools (such as BIM, drones, robotics, sensor technology, and AI-supported analyses) can compensate for scarce human resources. Routine tasks such as surveying, documentation, and progress monitoring can increasingly be performed digitally, allowing qualified specialists to concentrate on truly complex activities. At the same time, digital standards such as IFC create transparency and simplify collaboration between all project participants.
Digitalization as a response to the shortage of skilled workers
Digital tools cannot completely compensate for the shortage of skilled workers, but they can relieve the burden on existing staff and alleviate existing bottlenecks. Automating processes reduces the amount of manual work, lowers error rates, and significantly shortens processing times.
A key example is BIM-supported planning, in which all relevant information for a construction project is brought together in a digital model. This allows architects, engineers, construction companies, and authorities to work on a uniform, constantly updated database and coordinate efficiently and smoothly. In addition, digital platforms offer the possibility of optimally planning the use of personnel, machines, and materials, thus avoiding idle times.
In addition, remote monitoring opens up completely new possibilities for project management. Construction progress and quality controls can now be monitored remotely—often in real time and without costly on-site appointments. Especially in times of scarce resources, innovative software solutions such as planBIC and goBIC from our partner ThinkBIC can be crucial. They automate planning and construction processes, improve resource utilization, and create a transparent database for informed decisions. The result is less downtime, greater predictability, and a noticeable reduction in the workload for existing teams.
Success stories from practice
The advantages of Construction 4.0 are no longer just theoretical. In many projects, digital tools are already ensuring greater efficiency and better planning.
Large-scale projects benefit from BIM, for example, because collisions between trades can be identified at an early stage and addenda can be avoided. 3D printing shortens construction times and reduces material consumption, especially for standardized components. Drones enable fast, precise surveying of terrain, while sensors and IoT technologies provide real-time data on material consumption, machine condition, and safety aspects.
We also rely on laser scanning and BIM to create accurate digital models. This provides builders and partners with reliable planning bases and enables them to implement projects safely, even under difficult conditions.
Conclusion: Construction Industry 4.0: Act now instead of catching up later
The next ten years will determine whether the German construction industry can compete internationally.
Construction 4.0 is not just a future trend, but a strategic necessity. It offers concrete solutions to the shortage of skilled workers, increases efficiency and quality, and makes construction projects more resilient to crises. Companies that initiate digital transformation now will secure a decisive advantage and actively shape the construction world of tomorrow.
New standards will change how we work and what skills we need. Automated processes, robotics, and artificial intelligence are creating new job profiles and enabling us to focus on the core of our work and no longer be held back by minor formalities.
Would you like to learn more about how you can use digital technologies in your project?
Discover our reference projects and learn how our collaboration creates tangible added value—for all decision-makers who want to implement construction projects digitally, sustainably, and efficiently. Together, we will develop a strategy that will future-proof your projects.
