Navigating the 10 Limitations of Digital Stationing
Switching to digital stationing is a big decision, and we get it—you’ve got questions. After talking with crews, foremen, and project managers across the industry, we’ve heard the same concerns come up time and time again. Will it actually save time? Is it worth the cost? What about accuracy, training, and buy-in from the team?
Like any tool, digital stationing isn’t perfect. But the more you know upfront, the easier it is to decide if it’s the right fit. Let’s break down some of the biggest challenges we’ve heard and what they mean for your projects.
1. Accuracy
Digital stationing is typically accurate within 3-5 feet, which works well in most cases. However, certain situations—like working near underground utilities or requiring precise elevation details—may need extra verification to ensure accuracy. For projects demanding pinpoint precision, additional checks might be necessary.
On top of that, spotty internet can add to the challenge. Many digital tools rely on cell service or Wi-Fi to function properly, but real-time updates might lag- or stop altogether if you're in a remote area with a weak signal. This can slow down progress and make it harder to stay on track.
How can you overcome this?
-
Your device’s location accuracy settings can impact results. Make sure high-accuracy mode is enabled!
-
Some digital stationing solutions allow users to preload necessary project details before heading to areas with poor connectivity.
-
Combine digital stationing with traditional stationing methods or other GPS receivers for accuracy checks.
The right solution depends on your accuracy needs. Click here to find the best stationing product for your project’s needs.
2. Onboarding
Introducing digital stationing to a crew isn’t always a smooth ride. Some team members may not be comfortable with new technology, and if they don’t understand how to use it—or aren’t interested in learning—it can lead to delays and mistakes. That’s why good training and easy-to-use tools are essential to a successful transition.
On top of that, crews are already juggling multiple tools for planning, tracking, and reporting. Adding digital stationing to the mix can feel like just one more thing to manage. If it doesn’t integrate well with existing systems, it can quickly become more of a hassle than a help.
A smooth rollout makes all the difference. Check out our guide to adopting digital stationing to ensure your team is set up for success.
3. Price
Investing in digital stationing isn’t just about the cost—it’s about the value it brings to your projects and your crew’s safety. At an average of $51 per user/month, it’s comparable to the cost of your favorite streaming subscription—but instead of binge-watching, you’re maximizing efficiency, reducing errors, and keeping crews on track.
Beyond improving accuracy and efficiency, digital stationing also helps enhance job site safety. By reducing the need for manual measurements in high-risk areas — like active roadways or hazardous terrain — it minimizes exposure to potential dangers. Less time spent in unsafe conditions means a lower risk of accidents and injuries.
For most companies, the price of digital stationing depends on three main factors: team size & system functionality, hardware requirements, and onboarding. While the upfront investment may seem high, the long-term savings in time, labor, materials, and safety risks can quickly outweigh the cost.
Want to see the numbers for yourself? Calculate your ROI to find out how digital stationing pays off.
4. DOT Adoption
Some paving crews worry if the data from digital stationing will be accepted by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If it’s not, crews might end up doing double the work to meet DOT requirements, which defeats the purpose of saving time.
5. Data Privacy
Not all digital stationing systems are created equal when it comes to security. Some platforms take data protection seriously, while others… well, let’s just say they leave a few gaps. From encryption standards to data storage practices, different systems have different levels of security—and not all of them meet industry best practices.
To protect your crew’s data, make sure your provider prioritizes SOC 2 compliance and other high-security measures. If a platform isn’t transparent about where your data goes or how it’s protected, that’s a red flag. 🚩
6. Project Turnaround
Not all paving projects are the same, and getting them digitally stationed shouldn’t feel like watching asphalt cure. One key factor to consider is how long it takes to get a project digitally stationed and ready to use—and not all systems are created equal.
Manual Setup – Some systems require you to engineer the project yourself, manually inputting data and verifying accuracy. This can take up to 6 hours per project, This can take up to 6 hours per project, adding extra work for your team and delaying progress on the jobsite.
Software-Provided Setup – With the right system, your project files are processed for you, eliminating guesswork. However, on average, it can take up to 10 business days after submitting files to receive a fully stationed project—something to keep in mind for tight timelines.
For larger, long-term projects, that wait might be worth it. But if your job is small or will be wrapped up quickly, digital stationing might not be the right fit for your timeline.
Wrapping It Up
Digital stationing isn’t perfect, but neither is guessing measurements or spending extra hours on rework. For crews willing to embrace modern tools, the payoff is clear—faster workflows, better accuracy, and fewer headaches on the job. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but with the right training and support, it becomes second nature.
Ready to ditch the guesswork and see what digital stationing can do for you?