Jonas, what does construction logistics have to do with Formula 1?

What is your Research and Development department responsible for in the area of digitalization?

We are responsible for implementing digital tools that make our work easier, more efficient and more exciting. This includes, for example, the introduction of a modern system for vacation and absence management and for recording working hours. It also includes joint research projects with the Federal Network Agency, with which we are developing solutions to make construction sites safer and more efficient with the help of sensors and camera systems, for example. Overall, our industry is much more analogue than the automotive industry, for example - many things are less standardized. But that's exactly what makes our job so exciting: we have the chance to really make a difference and set new standards.

How is it possible to simplify work with the use of new technologies despite a lack of standardization?

By inspiring the right people to make a big difference together. We are a young, committed, dynamic team that combines many different skills. For example, while I have a background in logistics, one colleague has a deep understanding of construction technology and another comes from the waste disposal sector. This diversity helps us enormously to look at complex issues from different angles and develop practical solutions. We are also very close to the operational side of things. We regularly visit construction sites, talk to the teams on site and see first-hand where the shoe pinches and where there is potential for improvement.

Do you have an example of a specific problem solution?

We receive numerous inquiries every day, such as whether a truck can be unloaded on a construction site at a certain time. Instead of checking this manually, we at BCL have developed our own online scheduling tool. This automatically shows whether capacity is available for the desired period and also takes local conditions into account - for example, whether a large truck can be unloaded at an unloading point at all or whether there is only space for a Sprinter. With this digital selection process, we not only create transparency, but also achieve a high degree of standardization.

Another example is the BCL|OnSite software. Where is this project heading? 

My vision is a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI), among other things, to digitally record and automatically evaluate all relevant construction data and inform both employees and clients about events and necessary measures at an early stage. A simple example: based on weather data, the system recognizes that snow will fall in five days, simultaneously determines that there is no more road salt on the construction site, for example, and automatically issues a recommendation for action to procure it. In this way, we can use data analyses and scenarios not only to react to events, but also to plan ahead - right from the project preparation stage. For example, if a client only plans to use one construction elevator, but the system tells us based on experience that this will not be enough, we provide feedback and suggest a suitable solution straight away. We are currently working intensively on collecting and analyzing data in order to train the system in a targeted manner and enable even more intelligent decisions in the future.

What added value does the system bring? 

On the one hand, it relieves our employees of administrative tasks so that they can concentrate on value-adding and meaningful activities. On the other hand, our customers benefit from greater planning security because the system recognizes potential risks and additional costs at an early stage and suggests appropriate countermeasures. This allows challenges to be solved before they even arise.

You will soon be leading a team of five employees. What is important to you as a team leader? 

I want to motivate my employees in the same way that I used to be inspired. We have a lot to do in this still very analog environment and want to achieve a lot together. And how brilliant it is that we can bring about change ourselves and help shape how we will work in the future. It is important to me not only to work within my own team, but also to bring all other employees along on this transformation journey: through openness, approachability and a genuine interest in feedback. Our goal is to offer our colleagues on the construction sites tangible added value and to do this a little more every day.

You like Formula 1. Does speed play a special role in your life?

I was passionate about motocross from the age of six until I was 24. That's probably also the reason why I'm passionate about Formula 1 or motorsport in general. I later switched to racing bikes. And yes, I generally think it's better to go in front than to race behind. But I also like to socialize with my friends. I live in the Ingelheim wine region and enjoy the wine festivals here. For me, it's the perfect balance between speed and enjoyment.