Let’s build the future together
How we transform the heavy building materials industry through digital partnerships
At Heidelberg Materials, we transform the building materials industry by leveraging digital solutions and fostering strategic partnerships. This effort is central to our mission of creating a sustainable and efficient future for the construction sector. One of the standout successes in our digital journey has been the development of our digital ecosystem, a collaborative network of innovative technologies and partners. This ecosystem, powered by automation and AI, is helping us tackle key challenges like decarbonisation and operational efficiency.
Our first steps in building a digital ecosystem
One of our key partnerships in this endeavour is with Command Alkon, the industry leader in software and technology solutions for the building materials sector.
Command Alkon is on a mission to build a fully cloud-based platform that enables top-notch innovations for the ready-mixed concrete, aggregates, and hot mix asphalt industries. As an example, Command Alkon developed Load Assurance technology, which uses a probe inside the drum to measure the volume and properties of the ready-mixed concrete in real time. This allows us to offer a better product and take one more step towards carbon neutrality. With precise measurements, we can use concrete more effectively or reuse it, creating less waste.
Recently, Command Alkon also introduced its cloud-based Dispatch solution, which automates driver scheduling and daily planning, brings transparency to supply chain activities, and reduces back-office complexities. This tool reshapes how core business processes are managed, enables faster adoption of innovations such as AI, and allows plants to operate more efficiently.
Command Alkon’s acquisition of Marcotte Systems, renowned for its substantial investments in plant automation through the Marcotte Batch system and the cutting-edge AI-driven MIntelligent product, adds even more value to our ecosystem. Together, they drive the development of fully automated plant solutions, combining cloud-based capabilities and AI to help our customers reduce their CO₂ footprint and material costs.
Meeting industry challenges with digital innovation
The construction industry faces a unique set of challenges, including the need to decarbonise and address labour shortages while improving customer service. Dennis Lentz, Chief Digital Officer at Heidelberg Materials, explains:
Digitalisation is key to addressing these challenges. So, how do we unlock step changes in sustainability, efficiency, and customer centricity? For me, alongside technologies like AI, the answer is collaboration. We cannot do it alone, and for that reason, Heidelberg Materials has started to orchestrate the ecosystem of our industry.
Collaboration and continuous improvement
Our digital ecosystem continues to evolve. We constantly seek new opportunities to enhance our digital offering through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Our investment in Giatec Scientific, a leader in sensor technology, is another step in changing the concrete industry. Giatec provides real-time concrete strength monitoring with updates every 30 seconds and AI-driven optimisation tools that help us reduce cement usage by up to 20% in our concrete mixes, further advancing our sustainability goals. Real-time monitoring makes it possible to check the concrete strength via smartphone and proceed as soon as the concrete is strong enough. This allows for finishing construction projects more quickly without compromising safety.
Heidelberg Materials is impressed by Giatec’s highly skilled team and deep commitment to accelerating the sustainability efforts by bringing data-based, customer-centric and sustainable technologies to the concrete industry,
says Dennis Lentz.
Dr Pouria Ghods, CEO and Co-Founder of Giatec, shares his enthusiasm for collaboration and its potential impact on the industry. “Heidelberg Materials is an ideal partner for further developing digital solutions that perfectly match the needs of the building materials industry,” comments Pouria Ghods. “Together, we are moving forward to the next phase of growth and innovation in sensing technologies, digitisation, and reducing concrete’s carbon footprint. We look forward to working with such an outstanding global team, their network and market know-how, toward a shared vision of revolutionising the concrete industry.”
Building a greener future through digital
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities our digital ecosystem will bring. Digital technology remains a key tool for improving efficiency across our business, with AI playing a significant role. At the core of this digital transformation is our strong commitment to sustainability. The potential of AI and our digital ecosystem is vast, offering countless opportunities to create long-term value for a more sustainable tomorrow.
The story of our digital ecosystem is about the power of collaboration and innovation. By working with leading digital partners and adopting the latest technologies, we are transforming the building materials industry and contributing to a greener future.

Digital partnerships.
Heidelberg Materials/Aleksej Keksel

Digital partnerships.
Aleksej Keksel/Heidelberg Materials

Digital partnerships.
Heidelberg Materials/Aleksej Keksel

Digital partnerships.
Aleksej Keksel/Heidelberg Materials