BKMA: Certification in the construction industry
Byggföretagen believes ISO certifications should be earned through quality. BKMA is the tool that reaches out and delivers safety in construction projects (regardless of company size).
International ISO standards are a given in the construction industry: certifications stand for quality, and therefore peace of mind for those who hire certified contractors. A certificate must be earned.
But inefficient, manual processes mean that companies lacking the time to administer an application get filtered out for the wrong reasons.
Can the administrative burden around certification be reduced, quality maintained, and safer construction projects created across Sweden? Byggföretagen says YES! — and engages Äventyret to make it happen.
How it was done:
Step 1: Inventory
Byggföretagen already had several certification models. They varied in popularity and regional availability, but all served the same purpose: offering members a management system for better and safer construction. The future tool (BKMA) would build on these existing certificates, which first needed to be mapped.
Step 2: Pre-study and prototype
Äventyret conducted a pre-study to validate how the digitalisation of manual processes could work, as a logged-in member service (SaaS).
The best possible basis for decision-making is almost always a clickable prototype — especially when multiple internal processes are being combined into a single tool.Step 3: MVP and buy-in
Äventyret led the prioritisation of features required for first launch, conducted user testing, and built buy-in among the ambassadors working with Byggföretagen’s existing certifications (Povel, BF9K).
Step 4: Launch
Membership in Byggföretagen opens up a world of services. The core pillars of the ecosystem are: a single sign-on (regardless of service), and a data-sharing infrastructure where data is stored in a distributed way and shared on demand, for maximum usability.
Congratulations, construction Sweden!
A functioning management system for Byggföretagen members. BKMA is the digitalised result of existing certifications, now available as a logged-in service. Here is how Byggföretagen themselves describe BKMA:
1. Easier to win larger and more profitable projects. Byggföretagen’s management system BKMA gives you the key to large and lucrative projects. For many clients, third-party certification in KMA matters is an absolute deciding factor when choosing a supplier. It requires time and ambition to reach BKMA Certification — but it costs even more not to bother. Many member companies recoup their investment within the first year of certification. And so it continues.
2. Success starts with order. BKMA is the backbone of a successful construction company. Sound routines — from the management meeting to the final nail — make it easier to meet demands regarding quality, environment, and working conditions. Daily operations also become both safer and more efficient. With a handle on everything from quality work to safety, you are well prepared for larger assignments and demanding clients, today and tomorrow.
3. Equivalent to ISO, but tailored to the construction industry. BKMA Certification is a national, sector-adapted alternative to ISO 9001/14001/45001. It is a national standard for Byggföretagen’s members — from civil engineers to roofing contractors — and takes into account sector-specific needs and conditions. A significant detail is that the annual audit is conducted by an independent certification body that also issues the certificate and knows exactly how the construction industry works.
4. Certification is easier and faster than you think. Within six months your company can be certified under BKMA Certification. The process is greatly simplified with a mentor who lives and breathes KMA matters. The mentor sees and understands what you already have in place, what you can immediately tick off, and what to focus on going forward. With a mentor, KMA work becomes a learning and developmental process, tailored to your company, your conditions, and your already established routines. Well worked through — but not over-worked.
5. Drive and commitment throughout the organisation. Joining BKMA Certification has a positive effect on the entire business. By inviting more employees into the KMA work, dividing up tasks, and telling everyone where you are headed, you start a shared journey towards greater profitability. By the time you achieve certification, the entire organisation is already aware of new ways of working, routines, and manuals. The certification becomes the final proof of a successful collaboration and all the improvements you have achieved together.
Who is Byggföretagen?
Byggföretagen is a trade and employer organisation representing construction, civil engineering, and specialist companies within Svenskt Näringsliv. Their stated ambition is to “build Sweden on fair foundations.” The majority of affiliated members are small and medium-sized enterprises.
Äventyret has been creating value for Byggföretagen since 2019, with the aim of increasing member value and NPS. BKMA is one in a series of services built together.
Tip: Don't forget the buy-in
When existing processes are digitalised into a logged-in service, it means change for the people who used to do the manual work. Äventyret helps anchor new ways of working for the services we build. Get in touch if you're facing a similar challenge!
Kind regards, Signe Gabrielsson,
Team lead, Äventyret
