Startups as supporters of digitization: MBN cooperates with Koppla

“Digitization – yes, but how?” This question is currently occupying many established companies in the construction and real estate industry. When it comes to innovation, MBN deliberately relies on cooperation with startups, e.g. to organize processes on construction sites according to the lean principle. We talked 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 real estate sector.

Grigory, what are your responsibilities as Innovation Manager at MBN?

I take care of the topic of digitalization at MBN. The focus here is primarily on construction, i.e. tools that are used on construction sites. I am in daily contact with our partner startups. When a new tool is introduced, I take care of employee training. In parallel, I am responsible for acquiring other interesting startups.

How do you get to know potential cooperation partners from the startup industry?

In the beginning, we visited many events, looked on LinkedIn or simply googled. We then made further contacts through the first startups. In the meantime, I 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 met the Potsdam-based startup Koppla at a very early stage at an event. At that time, the team hadn’t even founded yet. However, they already had an idea and an app, but it was primarily aimed at craft businesses. We were looking for a solution to digitize communication and organization on lean construction sites. Since the processes were similar, we decided to develop the tool in close partnership.

What was the next step?

We met very often with the founders of Koppla and went through the processes of three construction projects that we wanted to organize according to the Lean principle together. The Koppla team then created mocks that we analyzed with our site managers and foremen, the people who would end up using the tool. From this, a first product was created. In parallel, Koppla has grown into a startup with 14 employees. We now use the tool on three construction sites, and this year we plan to expand to seven more.

What added value does the Koppla app offer you?

The app is a communication platform between us as the general contractor and our subcontractors. Via the interface, they can report, for example, whether they manage to complete certain tasks within the planned time frame and what the reason is if this doesn’t work out, such as a lack of personnel, a lack of materials or faulty preliminary work. This gives us the opportunity to optimize processes. In addition, our subcontractors use the app to report individual work steps completed within a cycle and to 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 in the first step and are now working to make it better and better. In the meantime, we know that we can achieve a lot through good onboarding.

How do you succeed in getting subcontractors on board?

The product should look as simple as possible. Our subcontractors are focused on building qualitatively, not on learning complicated applications. Of course, we don’t force anyone to use the app because a partnership relationship with our subcontractors is important to us. Instead, we rely on voluntary cooperation. But that only works if it’s clear to the subcontractors that the whole thing has a positive benefit for them, too.

What tips would you give to other companies that are also planning to cooperate with startups?

You shouldn’t necessarily expect a finished product. From my point of view, it is worthwhile to use the technical know-how of the startups and to help develop the tool yourself. In the end, you have a product that really suits you. That’s why it’s worthwhile to work together as partners.

Contact

Website: mbn.de

LinkedIn: Grigory Budnizki