Construction trends 2025: How KPD helps construction companies tackle tomorrow’s challenges

The construction sector faces another challenging year in 2025. According to a macroeconomic analysis by Embuild (available on Embuild’s homepage or in this video), a slight decline of 0.5% in construction activity is expected, with specific drops in infrastructure (-2.2%) and new construction (-1.2%). At the same time, societal challenges such as the housing crisis and aging infrastructure remain pressing. Digitalization, automation, and innovative construction methods will be crucial to future-proof the sector. As a leading construction software partner, KPD responds with solutions that help companies work more efficiently.

1. Grip on margins: estimations become crucial in a volatile market

With current economic uncertainty and fluctuating material prices, accurate cost estimation is more important than ever. Construction companies need to control their costs and make accurate forecasts to stay financially healthy. KPD offers advanced estimation software (KPD Tendering), allowing companies to maintain control over their margins. From post-calculation and budget monitoring to predictive analytics, our software helps construction businesses optimize their cost structure and minimize risks.

2. Labor shortages: the pressure remains high

The structural shortage of skilled workers remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges. According to Embuild data, 20% of construction companies delay project starts due to a lack of personnel, and 10% send out fewer quotes. Fewer workers mean increased pressure on existing teams and a greater need for efficiency. KPD offers a solution with digital tools that optimize workforce management and streamline workflows. For example, the updated People module helps companies plan and monitor working hours, ensuring better margin control and more effective team deployment.

3. Sustainable construction: no longer a choice

With stricter regulations and a growing demand for energy-efficient buildings, sustainable construction continues to rise. The industry must adapt to circular materials, renewable energy, and energy-efficient building techniques, requiring better project, cost, and material tracking. By integrating a CO₂ calculation into KPD Tendering, KPD takes the first steps toward CO₂ awareness in cost estimation.

4. Electronic invoicing: the future of administrative management

Starting in 2026, e-invoicing will be mandatory for B2B transactions in Belgium. However, companies that switch to electronic invoicing now already work more efficiently and minimize errors. With KPD’s e-invoicing module, invoices can be processed and approved digitally, eliminating time-consuming paperwork and manual mistakes.

5. AI & automation: KPD’s acquisition of Publican

At the end of the year, KPD acquired legaltech player Publican, an AI-driven solution for construction companies. This allows construction businesses to benefit from smart automation and predictive analytics. By integrating AI into their workflows, companies gain better cost control and can make more accurate forecasts for project completion and budgets.

6. Overall digitalization: the key to efficiency

To remain competitive, the construction sector must increase productivity, as emphasized by Buildwise. Construction 4.0 brings new technologies such as BIM, drones, IoT, and cobots to job sites. KPD supports companies in this digital transformation by providing intuitive software solutions that integrate with these technologies. With a digital overview and real-time site monitoring, construction businesses can optimize margins and quickly adapt to changes.

Conclusion

2025 will be a year full of challenges—but also opportunities for construction companies that embrace digitalization and innovation. Labor shortages and economic pressures force businesses to work smarter, while sustainability and e-invoicing are no longer optional. KPD is ready with advanced construction software that helps businesses increase efficiency, safeguard margins, and stay future-proof.