Trüb für Grün: Optimized work routine with Teams and Power Apps

Trüb für Grün has not only established a central communication platform by introducing Microsoft Teams but also set the stage for creating efficient Power Apps

Internal communication primarily took place physically in the office, while coordination with colleagues on construction sites was done via phone 

Important business processes, such as reporting repairs or absences, were handled manually using paper forms, consuming significant time and resources 

Implementation of Microsoft Teams as a central information and communication platform 

Development of two Canvas Apps for creating and approving repairs and absences – accessible directly from the construction site via mobile devices 

Automation of absence entries in the Teams Outlook calendar and generation of PDFs based on accident report 

Improved, faster, and more efficient communication and information sharing, including overcoming potential language barrier 

Digitalization of routine processes reduces workload for employees, increasing efficiency and productivity in daily operations 

Trüb für Grün AG set out to optimize internal communication while also digitalizing certain recurring processes, such as repairing damaged machines or reporting absences. These processes had previously been handled manually through physical meetings or handwritten notes on a board in the office. When searching for the right partner, the company prioritized a unified platform to avoid switching between different tools –novaCapta’s Microsoft-focused approach was the perfect fit.

The first step was implementing Microsoft Teams as the central communication platform. Through a general channel, the management team can transparently share important information with all employees, whether they are in the office or on a construction site – similar to an intranet. Additionally, colleagues can easily and quickly communicate with each other. 

For Lino Trüb, Head of Consulting & Design at Trüb für Grün AG, one of the key benefits is the efficient distribution of training videos: "When introducing new products or machines, it’s crucial to inform all employees and ensure they are trained in safe operation. Videos and images are far more effective than long text documents, especially when considering language barriers. Thanks to the translation function in Microsoft Stream, we can seamlessly reach all our colleagues."

Microsoft Teams serves not only as a communication platform but also as the foundation for further process digitalization. To optimize routine processes within the company and free up employees’ time for more strategically relevant tasks, novaCapta developed two Canvas Apps using Power Apps. Both apps run on standard licenses and use SharePoint as their foundation. 

1. Repair app: With a dedicated app, employees can report machine defects directly from the construction site – using their work phone or tablet (the app is compatible with both Android and iOS). In addition to entering all relevant information (machine name, issue, etc.), the app includes a quick and easy photo upload feature, helping to overcome language barriers when describing the problem. Notifications about necessary repair requests are no longer communicated via handwritten notes but are instead sent to a connected Teams channel. There, the relevant colleagues can update the repair status, making it visible to everyone. 

1. Absence app: A second Canvas app allows employees to report and request approval for absences such as vacation, illness, military duty, or medical appointments – either by the hour or for a specified period. These absences are automatically synchronized with Teams Outlook and marked in the calendar, ensuring transparency across the team. A special feature is the accident reporting function: In a more detailed form, employees can enter all relevant data, such as involved parties, accident location, type of injury, or the presence of a police report. A free-text field also allows for photo uploads. These details are synchronized with SharePoint and automatically generated as a PDF, which can be manually reviewed by an employee before being sent to the Swiss Accident Insurance (SUVA). 

In addition to a simple and intuitive user experience for employees, supervisors also benefit from a clear and transparent overview of all requests related to repairs and absences. 

Now, the employees at Trüb für Grün must focus on efficiently integrating the new tools and processes into their daily workflow to fully leverage their advantages. However, Microsoft Teams as a foundation offers numerous possibilities for the future – whether for additional apps or for document storage and collaboration, including the necessary security and governance. The responsible teams already have ideas and are open to further topics that may arise from everyday work. 

Download Case Study Trüb für Grün PDF (DE)

Download Case Study Trüb für Grün PDF (EN)