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 team and 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 with GNS receivers.

On top of that, spotty internet can add to the limitation of any digital stationing system. 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!
Here’s how to optimize your settings.
Some digital stationing solutions allow users to preload necessary project details before heading to areas with poor connectivity.
Learn how to enable offline mode.
Combine digital stationing with traditional stationing methods or other GPS receivers for accuracy checks.

2. Onboarding

Introducing a digital stationing solution to your team isn’t always a smooth ride. Embracing new technology can be a challenge for some team members, and without proper understanding or enthusiasm to learn, could lead to unexpected challenges, costly mistakes, and, in the worst-case scenario, the complete underutilization of your newly acquired system or equipment. As you evaluate any of your tech choices, prioritize seamless training and user-friendliness to ensure your team transitions smoothly and efficiently.

On top of training, 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. Incorporating digital stationing into your tech arsenal aims to simplify your team's workflow. When selecting a digital stationing solution, it's crucial to explore its integration partners for seamless compatibility. This will help eliminate the circus act of juggling a dozen tools at once!

To learn more about how to overcome these onboarding setbacks, read our most recent article: 5 Challenges Companies Face When Adopting Digital Stationing- and Steps to Overcome Them

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.

Cost: For just $51 per user each month, you can enjoy the benefits of a digital stationing solution that rivals the cost of your go-to streaming service. But instead of endless episodes, you're investing in streamlined operations, minimized mistakes, and a team that stays on course..

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

Onboarding.

While the upfront investment may seem high, the long-term savings in time, labor, materials, and safety risks can quickly outweigh the cost.

Curious to crunch the numbers? Dive into the ROI calculator and discover how digital stationing can turn your investment into a jackpot!

Calculate My ROI

4. Department of Transportation (DOT) Adoption

A common question we hear is, “Will digital stationing meet DOT requirements?” This concern isn’t merely about if DOTs will accept the data; it's about whether digital stationing's precision can truly rival the tried-and-true traditional methods.

Here's the scoop—OnStation's accuracy is neck-and-neck with physical stationing... or dare we say, it might just be the overachiever in the room! Think about it: when using physical stakes, crews take a wheel out to the stake, measure manually, and reference their location from there. But let’s be honest—human error, worn-out wheels, and a long day in the sun can throw off those numbers. Digital stationing removes the guesswork, providing accuracy within 3-5 feet—just like a crew member standing at the stake, but without the potential for misreading or mismeasuring.

The government is championing a wave of innovation, urging the adoption of cutting-edge digital tools. At OnStation, we've witnessed this firsthand through our collaboration with five forward-thinking agencies utilizing our software. DOT initiatives such as digital delivery, connected work zones, and e-Ticketing are paving the way for a future defined by enhanced efficiency and groundbreaking progress.

Not sure if your DOT will accept OnStation? Let’s talk. We can help you navigate requirements and see if OnStation is the right fit for your projects.

5. Data Privacy

When it comes to security, not all digital stationing systems are on the same playing field. While some platforms prioritize safeguarding your data with top-notch protection, others might leave you exposed. From robust encryption protocols to secure data storage, the security measures vary widely—and unfortunately, not every system aligns with industry-leading standards.

Ensure your crew's data remains secure by inquiring about your software provider's SOC 2 compliance and other robust security protocols. If a platform lacks transparency about data handling and protection, consider it a warning sign. 🚩

6. Project Turnaround

Not all paving projects are the same, and getting them digitally stationed shouldn’t feel like watching asphalt cure. When evaluating your digital stationing options, a crucial aspect to weigh is the time it takes to fully implement and activate a project—because not all systems deliver the same efficiency and speed. Your projects can be uploaded and provided in a system by:

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, 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?

Get Started with Digital Stationing