Electronic construction diary – is documentation digitization a necessity?

Tom Jones

Digitalisation Specialist

December 2024 • 7 min • Technology

Electronic construction diary (ECD) since January 27, 2023, can replace the traditional construction diary. European Commission confirms that for the first 7 years ECD will not be mandatory, and paper diaries will be issued until the end of 2029. As a result, the construction industry faces a choice between digitization and traditional documentation methods.

Hustro – digital construction documentation

History and evolution of construction documentation

The construction diary appeared in Building Law in 1961 as a paper version of the history of investment construction. Moreover, a series of guidelines aimed to create a document that would allow experts to analyze the construction process in dispute situations.

However, in practice, substantive values are not found in the construction diary, but in email correspondence with contractors, suppliers, summonses or orders. As a result, the construction diary has lost importance and became just an unpleasant element of bureaucracy on construction sites.

Problems with traditional construction diaries

Currently, traditional construction diaries are treated with less care than in the past. Furthermore, they are filled out briefly and without systematicity, which significantly reduces their useful value.

• Lack of systematicity – ability to change entry dates retroactively
• Limited accessibility – document is only available on the construction site
• Readability problems – illegible handwriting
• Risk of destruction – possibility of document damage or theft

Electronic construction diary – key benefits

The introduction of an electronic construction diary brings a number of significant improvements to the documentation process. Moreover, document digitization can restore their lost substantive value.

• Enforced systematicity – no possibility to change entry date retroactively
• Universal accessibility – access for authorized persons from anywhere
• Entry legibility – universal font instead of handwriting
• Data security – protection against destruction and theft

Benefits of digital construction documentation

Cost analysis: traditional vs. digital solutions

Monthly cost comparison for a €500,000 construction project

Implementation challenges and barriers

Despite the benefits, implementing an electronic construction diary also involves certain challenges. However, most of them can be effectively solved through proper preparation and training.

• Resistance to change – need to convince staff to adopt new solutions
• Training needs – learning to use digital tools
• Internet access – need to ensure connection on construction sites
• Implementation costs – initial investments in equipment and software

Future of digital construction documentation

The future of electronic construction diary extends beyond simply replacing paper with a computer. Additionally, we can already think about improvements that will allow for even more precise documentation management.

The introduction of tools such as voice notes or video recordings will allow users to choose the form of information entry that will be most convenient for them. Consequently, documentation can become more accurate and useful.

Future of digital construction diary

Summary: necessity or opportunity?

Electronic construction diary is not evil, but a natural step towards digitizing the construction industry. Therefore, the success of the entire project depends on proper coordination and cooperation between supervisory authorities and construction sites implementing ECD.

In conclusion, the most important aspect in the digitization process is the approach of people who will use this solution. Conclusions from pilot investments can contribute to restoring the real value of the construction diary.