Given the increasing logistics requirements, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited human resources, the need for efficient and digitally supported approval processes is becoming more and more important. But what are the weaknesses in the current system? And which approaches are realistic and practical? These are the questions Claudia Föllmer addressed in her Master's thesis »Analyse und Konzeptentwicklung zur Digitalisierung von Genehmigungsprozessen bei Großraum- und Schwertransporten im Bauwesen«.

In order to better understand the existing processes, Föllmer first conducted guided interviews with experts from administration, logistics, and the field of expert assessment. Her research revealed that many of the steps are still carried out analogously, responsibilities are distributed across various levels, and process coordination is insufficient. Furthermore, different data formats are used, which makes communication between applicants, authorities, and other parties difficult. This often leads to extended processing times, a lack of transparency, and a significant amount of coordination. In order to optimise existing processes, Föllmer developed a concept for a fully digital approval procedure. The plan includes, among other things, structured data management and improved communication between all parties involved.

VDBUM Sponsorship Award

The VDBUM sponsorship award, worth up to 2,500 euros, is presented annually to scientists whose work demonstrates innovative solutions to current challenges in the construction and machinery industry.
 The award ceremony took place on 11 February 2026, as part of a trade specialist event organised by the association. The jury was especially impressed by the strong practical relevance of Föllmer’s work and its concrete benefits for administration and construction practice. Digital approval procedures could help speed up planning and make construction projects more reliable, the association explained. Claudia Föllmer is currently abroad, so her mentor, Prof. Jürgen Melzner (Professorship of Construction Engineering and Management) from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, accepted the award on her behalf.

Award Winner Claudia Föllmer, M.Sc. 
First place in the »Projekte aus Universitäten und Hochschulen« category
for her Master's thesis »Analyse und Konzeptentwicklung zur Digitalisierung von Genehmigungsprozessen bei Großraum- und Schwertransporten im Bauwesen« 
Mentor: Prof. Jürgen Melzner, Markus Friedrich Boden, Professorship of Construction Engineering and Management, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Further information: https://www.db-thueringen.de/receive/dbt_mods_00067283 

In October 2025, Claudia Föllmer was awarded the »Erhard-Hampe« award for young talent by the »Vereins der Freunde des Bauingenieur- und Baustoffingenieurwesens« (vfbb) for her outstanding Master's thesis. The award was presented by Prof. Hans-Joachim Bargstädt at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. 

Questions can be directed to Markus Friedrich Boden, scientific associate at the Professorship of Construction Engineering and Management at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. 036 (43) 36 58 / 58 25 4391 or via e-mail to markus.friedrich.boden[at]uni-weimar.de.