Digital Solutions, Online Reporting, and Remote Site Supervision

When a project is located in Moscow, staying up to date is easy — you can visit the site at any time, walk through the floors, and see the progress for yourself. But when construction takes place hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away, constant on-site presence becomes impossible. In such cases, a general contractor must combine strong construction expertise with the ability to leverage modern digital technologies.

Together with Sergio Trovati, Deputy General Director for Strategic Development at DEKRA CONSTRUCTION, we explored how technology enables effective control of remote construction projects.


— Why are many developers still hesitant to move into regional markets?

— There are two key reasons. First, the purchasing power of regional markets is often lower compared to large metropolitan areas. Second, there is typically a shortage of qualified contractors capable of meeting required standards. As a result, to maintain a sale or rental price that ensures profitability, developers often turn to smaller local companies or divide the total scope of work into separate packages.


— What are the main challenges of remote project control — and how does DEKRA CONSTRUCTION address them?

— Distance itself is not necessarily a barrier. Even within Moscow, one might live on one side of the city and rarely visit a site on the other. For DEKRA CONSTRUCTION, managing projects remotely is a well-established process.

We rely on a combination of daily and weekly progress reports, real-time webcam monitoring, and regular video conferences — practices that became standard during the pandemic. Our integrated information management system tracks project tasks, milestones, and decision-making across all sites, allowing the head office to monitor progress, assess performance, and promptly address any deviations from plan.

Equally important is the on-site project team, which always includes at least one manager with prior experience on DEKRA CONSTRUCTION projects — a trusted representative who ensures consistent quality and adherence to company standards.

In addition, we prioritize regular on-site visits, ideally every one to three months, depending on the project’s complexity and location.


—Have there been examples of remote projects that went perfectly?

— It’s unrealistic to speak of “perfection” in large-scale or geographically distant construction. However, when a project is completed on time, to specification, and the client is fully satisfied with the result, we consider that a truly successful outcome.

Successfully Managing Remote Projects: Maldives Experience

In late 2019, our team took on a remarkable challenge: building a five-star island resort in the Maldives. Today, this luxury hotel operates under the Jumeirah brand, welcoming discerning guests from around the world. Serving as the general contractor on this project was a true test of our expertise. Island construction comes with unique challenges — from complex logistics to regional conditions — and this project pushed us to innovate at every step.

A major factor in our success was assembling a strong international team led by an experienced project manager. Clear processes, a motivating team environment, and meticulous planning ensured that even the most unconventional tasks were completed on time and to the highest standards.

Equally important were the trust-based relationships we built with the client and investor. Smooth communication and consistent financing kept the project on track and ensured a seamless handover. The result was, in every sense, an ideal project outcome.


— How do clients receive updates on remote projects?

— They get everything they would get with any other property, plus 24/7 access to webcams.


— How do clients receive updates on remote projects?

Clients receive comprehensive documentation, just like any other project, along with 24/7 access to live webcam feeds, providing full transparency and peace of mind.


— Do you provide on-site technical supervision?

Technical supervision (or construction control) is legally the client’s responsibility, usually handled by a specialized third-party company. In addition, we maintain our own internal quality control team to add an extra layer of oversight, minimizing risks and preventing errors.


— How do you build a project team for another region or country?

Key personnel — including the project manager and administrative staff — must be trusted professionals with proven experience. Their primary role is to assemble and lead the on-site project team. Frequent site visits by top management during the initial stages are essential to ensure smooth operations.


— Has your control system ever saved a project from errors?

The cornerstone of project oversight is plan-versus-actual performance tracking. This is monitored constantly and reflected in monthly or, if needed, weekly reports. Any deviation from the plan is flagged immediately, allowing the team to address issues before they escalate.


— What advice would you give clients concerned about distance?

Trust in the project team and the systems in place. With modern technology, transparent reporting, and regular communication, remote project management can be just as effective as on-site oversight — ensuring quality and deadlines are never compromised.


— Technical supervision must be carried out directly on-site; remote monitoring can only cover documentation.

We emphasize that during the initial stages, frequent site visits are essential, and plan-versus-actual performance must be continuously monitored.

Executing a construction project in a different region or abroad requires a well-structured management and control system — something only an experienced general contractor can provide.