Service

Definition: What is a service?

A service is an intangible good in which production and consumption occur simultaneously (the “uno actu” principle). Unlike physical products, their value is created immediately at the moment of delivery—for example, in the form of consulting, guidance, or support. Services are characterized by the fact that they are tailored to the individual needs of the customer and often have a direct impact on processes and results. In doing so, the service provider commits to performing the agreed-upon work and bears responsibility for quality and customer satisfaction.

The Importance of Services in Project and Cost Management

Services play a central role in the construction and real estate sectors. They make an important contribution by:

• Apply your expertise and experience directly to projects,
• Make processes more efficient and transparent,
• improve the quality of decisions,
• Guide and support customers through complex issues.

Services are part of the service sector, an important economic sector that is distinct from manufacturing and goods production.

Typical characteristics of a service

• Intangibility: Services are intangible goods that cannot be physically touched. Their value is realized immediately upon delivery.
• The "Uno-actu" principle: The provision and consumption of the service occur simultaneously.
• Customization: Services are tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of each customer.
• Nature of the relationship: The quality and value of a service depend on competence, experience, and communication between the service provider and the customer.
• Inseparability: Services and service providers are often closely linked, which requires personal interaction.
• Non-storable nature: Unlike goods, services cannot be stored or transported.

Types of Services

Services can be divided into various categories, which differ primarily in terms of the level of customer involvement and their relationship to physical products:

• Personal services: These services are provided directly to or in conjunction with the customer, who may be actively or passively involved. Typical examples include visits to the hairdresser or doctor’s appointments.
• Goods-based services: In this case, the focus is on the benefit to the customer, who does not need to be actively involved in the provision of the service. An example is vehicle repair.
• Product-related services: These complement physical products and provide customers with additional support. They include pre-sales services, such as pre-purchase consulting, as well as after-sales services, such as maintenance and repair.
• Pure service industries: These are provided by companies that exclusively offer services and do not produce physical goods, such as management consulting firms.

Services in the Real Estate and Construction Project Context

In the real estate and construction industry, services are diverse and range from planning and consulting to project management and financial controlling. Examples:

• Consulting: Assistance with structuring projects and processes.
• Project management: Supporting building owners and developers on complex construction projects.
• Controlling services: Analysis and optimization of costs and resource allocation.
• Digital Transformation: Implementing software solutions to improve efficiency.

Related terms

• Consulting
• Service
• Support
• Project management
• Process optimisation

Services offered by PROBIS

As part of its services, PROBIS offers comprehensive consulting and support for the digital transformation of cost management. Customers benefit from:

• Structuring cost processes: Establishing transparent and traceable structures.
• Process Optimization: Improving Efficiency Through Automation and Digitalization.
• Customized consulting: Support tailored to the specific needs of construction and real estate projects.
• Implementation support: Practical assistance with the rollout and use of PROBIS software solutions.

Through these services, PROBIS helps its clients rethink cost management, minimize risks, and lay the groundwork for successful projects.

Conclusion: What is a service?

Services are intangible offerings provided in close collaboration with the client that deliver immediate benefits. In the context of PROBIS, this means providing practical consulting and support for the digital transformation of cost management, with the aim of structuring and optimizing cost processes in a sustainable manner.