About the Client
Austria-based real-estate tech company, Docu Tools GmBH provides solutions for the documentation of advanced methodologies such as construction documentation, defect management, task coordination, and project communication.
Business Situation and Requirements
Construction technology companies often struggle with fragmented communication across architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. These gaps lead to delays, document version conflicts, poor defect tracking, and inefficient task coordination. Integrating multiple tools while maintaining regulatory compliance and delivering timely, accurate information to field teams adds further complexity.
To support construction professionals with project documentation, Docu Tools had built a web-based application that served its users well in the early stages of growth. Over time, as customers began executing larger, more complex construction initiatives, the platform’s legacy architecture revealed its limitations, particularly in handling advanced documentation workflows and on-site usage. Recognizing these constraints as a barrier to scale and user experience, Docu Tools initiated a modernization effort to future-proof the platform and extend its functionality to mobile devices.
Their key requirements were:
Develop a Mobile App for Project Management: Build a mobile app for construction supervision tightly integrated with the existing web platform.
Seamless PDF Handling: Support efficient rendering of large PDF documents on mobile devices.
3D Plan Optimization: Enable smooth viewing of complex 3D construction plans while optimizing device memory and performance.
Split-Screen Functionality: Allow simultaneous visualization of multiple construction sites on a single mobile device.
High Accuracy in Project Plans: Ensure precise measurements and details within project plans for reliable decision-making.
Regulatory Compliance & Streamlined Documentation: Simplify workflows while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
The Solution
Drawing on an in-depth understanding of construction workflows, Unthinkable designed a scalable, future-ready solution using a service-oriented architecture with independently deployable microservices. This approach avoided monolithic constraints, delivering greater flexibility, resilience, and seamless scalability. The platform leverages Java, an open-source technology, and AWS cloud infrastructure to optimize performance while significantly reducing operational and licensing costs.
High-Performance Document & 3D Plan Rendering
Docu Tools efficiently renders large PDF files and complex 3D construction plans across web and mobile platforms. By integrating Libvips for high-performance image processing with Amazon S3 for scalable storage, the platform delivers faster load times, improved responsiveness, and reduced infrastructure overhead.
Location-Based Task & Issue Management
Inspired by map-based interactions, users can place precise pins using latitude and longitude directly on project plans. This spatial intelligence enables teams to create tasks, assign responsibilities, update statuses, and track issues with exact location context for accurate, faster decision-making.
Streamlined Onsite Coordination & Workflow Visibility
Engineers can collaborate through comments, assign and track tasks, and quickly document deviations from plans. Features like split-screen views, automated notifications, and a centralized task summary provide a clear workflow overview and help resolve issues within defined turnaround times (TAT).
Global, Secure & Compliant Platform
Available in 21 languages across Europe and the Americas, Docu Tools is fully GDPR-compliant, ensuring secure handling of all personal and project data while supporting seamless collaboration for distributed construction teams.
The Impact
With the launch of its mobile app, Docu Tools now manages construction projects in over 25 European countries. The platform supports diverse projects, ranging from large-scale infrastructure like airports and train stations to residential developments.
Key implementations include Vienna University of Economics, Allianz Stadium, Skylink at Vienna Airport (Terminal 3), Flextronics International Ltd.’s plant in Austin, and Charité Berlin, one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, demonstrating the platform’s versatility and reliability in complex construction management.
>20,000
Projects Handled
>3 Million
Million Photos Uploaded
68,000
Plans Created
240,000
Tasks Completed
