AI in crafts: How artificial intelligence simplifies work processes and relieves specialists

Artificial intelligence is finding its way into crafts. What used to sound like science fiction now relieves fitters, office workers and bosses in everyday life. But what can AI really do? And where does it bring real added value for craft businesses? You can find out here.

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What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to systems that can independently learn from data and take on tasks such as recognition, planning or decision-making. In the craft sector, AI helps companies automate processes, for example through smart appointment scheduling, telephone assistants or predictive maintenance.

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What are the benefits of AI for craft businesses?

AI brings tangible relief to craft businesses in everyday life, increases efficiency and improves customer communication. An overview of the most important benefits:

• Time savings: AI performs recurring tasks such as making appointments or preparing offers automatically and around the clock. This leaves more time for core business.
• Relief for staff: Digital assistants answer calls, prioritize inquiries, or record faults. This reduces stress in the office and on the construction site.
• Failure prevention: AI systems reliably analyze data and identify discrepancies before they become a problem, e.g. in warehousing or deployment planning.
• Better accessibility: Chatbots or telephone assistants answer customer inquiries even outside opening hours without the need for personnel.
• Faster decisions: AI-based analyses help to plan offers, projects or maintenance assignments faster and more thoroughly.
• Competitive advantage: Anyone who uses AI in a targeted manner works more efficiently, can react faster and impresses with professional customer service.

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Where is AI already being used in crafts today?

Artificial intelligence is already being used in many areas in the craft sector — from office organization to construction site planning to customer communication.

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Office and administration

AI optimizes office work in the craft sector by automating tasks such as scheduling, document management or invoicing.

examples:

• AI phone assistant: Answer calls, record concerns and book appointments independently.
• Document AI: Read out invoices and assign them automatically.
• Disposition: AI plans tours efficiently based on traffic data, order situation and spare capacity.
• Fault detection: Systems automatically prioritize incoming issues based on urgency.

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Construction site & technology

On construction sites, AI helps with precise planning, automatic detection of damage and predictive maintenance.

examples:

• Image recognition: Drones or cameras automatically recognize construction progress or defects.
• Sensors: AI analyses machine data and detects wear or faults at an early stage.
• AR/VR planning: Intelligent systems enable virtual construction site inspections or 3D visualizations.
• Material logistics: AI automatically controls reorders based on inventory and consumption.

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Customer communication & marketing

AI improves communication with customers, ensures quick responses and personalized communication.

examples:

• Chatbots: Answer common questions around the clock and forward complex cases.
• Email AI: Write automatic answers, suggested appointments, or follow-up emails.
• Offer AI: Create individual offers from construction plans or customer information in just a few minutes.
• Customer data analysis: AI identifies cross-selling potential or optimizes communication in the newsletter.

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Practical examples: How craft businesses use AI today

More and more craft businesses are using AI in a targeted manner — from customer acquisition and planning to construction and office work. The following examples show how modern companies are using AI solutions from autarc.energy work more efficiently.

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Acquisition of customers and preparation of offers

AI-powered forms check in advance whether a project makes technical and economic sense. In this way, companies save time when approaching customers and focus only on realistic inquiries.

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Planning with LiDAR-powered AI

Die Heat load calculation is carried out with the help of LiDAR scanning automated and compliant with standards — in minutes instead of hours. In addition, LiDAR technology recognizes Existing radiators automatically and provides the basis for well-founded decisions.

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AI support on the construction site

With the Field App Fitters coordinate their tasks, document work steps and report queries directly to the office. The app links construction site and administration in real time — without paperwork.

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Digital assistance in the office

Die AI office worker receives calls, makes appointments and automatically prioritizes customer inquiries. This relieves the team and ensures continuous availability.

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Challenges when using AI

Despite all the advantages, the use of AI in crafts also poses challenges. If you want to successfully integrate AI, you should know the following points and address them in a targeted manner:

• Data protection and GDPR: AI systems process personal data such as customer data, appointments or conversation content. This data must be handled in accordance with GDPR, particularly with voice assistants or chatbots.
• Investment costs: The purchase of professional AI solutions is associated with costs. While there are affordable tools and funding programs, an economic evaluation is important. In many cases, investments pay off quickly by saving time and increasing productivity.
• Training and conversion costs: AI systems require new ways of working. Employees must be trained and supported. Especially in small companies, it is important to carefully introduce the team to new digital processes.
• Technical connection: Not all existing software can be seamlessly linked to AI solutions. Missing interfaces or outdated systems can make deployment difficult. Platforms with open APIs that enable easy integration are recommended.
• Cultural skepticism in the team: AI is often associated with automation and job loss. That can lead to rejection. Open communication helps here: AI does not replace skilled workers, but supports and relieves everyday work.

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Future outlook: Where is AI developing in crafts?

Artificial intelligence will continue to change crafts in the coming years. The systems are becoming more precise, networked and integrated into more and more work areas. The following developments are already apparent:

• Voice control on the construction site: In future, fitters will control applications via voice input — for example for documentation, navigation or information retrieval. This means that they no longer have to pick up the smartphone.
• Predictive maintenance: AI analyses machine data in real time and recognizes early on when maintenance is necessary. This reduces downtime and increases operational safety — for example in heating systems or PV systems.
• Digital twins: Buildings and systems are represented as digital models. AI simulates various scenarios, detects weak points and helps plan renovations or expansions.
• Networking with IoT and BIM: Sensors, construction plans and AI systems will work more closely together in the future. This creates automated workflows — from construction site monitoring to material logistics.
• AI-supported continuing education: Learning platforms identify gaps in knowledge and adapt training content individually. This makes digital qualification in crafts more efficient and targeted.
• Self-optimizing processes: AI systems continuously learn from operational data and independently suggest improvements, e.g. in deployment planning, warehousing or preparing offers.

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How can I introduce AI to my company?

The best way to get started with artificial intelligence is in small, practical steps. Craft businesses should analyse specific processes and start specifically with eligible AI solutions. The following guide will help you get started:

1. Identify needs in the company: Analyze where a particularly large amount of time is currently lost or where errors occur frequently. Typical starting points include schedule management, offer processing, documentation or internal communication.
2. Start with a clear use case: Select a specific problem with high potential benefits, such as an AI office worker to answer the phone or a digital form to review an offer. This keeps the effort manageable and the effect is immediately noticeable.
3. Select a suitable solution: Rely on providers who are specifically geared towards the craft sector. Pay attention to usability, interfaces to existing software, and GDPR compliance.
4. Involve employees early on: Communicate openly why AI is being introduced and show concrete benefits for everyday life. Training and testing phases promote acceptance within the team and avoid resistance.
5. Test the AI solution in real operation: Integrate the new solution into everyday life, monitor the effects and collect feedback. If necessary, optimize processes together with the provider.
6. Digitize further processes: If the first application runs successfully, further AI functions can be added.

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Getting started with AI with autarc

Do you install heating systems, PV systems, battery storage systems or wallboxes? With autarc, you can carry out acquisition, planning, promotion, maintenance and customer communication in one software. Digitize your processes and make your company fit for the future. Register now and test it free of charge for 14 days.

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