The digitalBAU 2026 trade fair, which will take place in Cologne from March 24 to 26, 2026, will focus on innovative technologies, new processes, and, in particular, artificial intelligence (AI). The trade fair is considered a central platform for digital solutions along the entire construction value chain. This year’s theme is “Gamechanger AI – Building for the Future”. A topic that could hardly be more relevant for construction suppliers.

Visit us at digitalBAU 2026 in Hall 8, Booth 8.555/C and learn how modern AI can accelerate, simplify, and future-proof the quotation process.

digitalBAU 2026: The leading trade fair for AI and digital construction processes

digitalBAU has established itself as a trade fair for digital solutions in the construction industry. It connects planners, contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and software providers along the entire value chain. In 2026, the trade fair will focus on the key theme of “Gamechanger AI – Building for the Future.”

The use of AI is no longer considered a vision, but rather a decisive lever for meeting the increasing demands of the industry. High construction costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and increasing complexity make more efficient processes necessary. digitalBAU shows how AI creates concrete added value in planning, execution, operation, and increasingly in sales.

It is also becoming clear to construction suppliers that digitizing and automating processes such as quotation management will ensure long-term competitiveness.

You can find everything you need to know about the trade fair here: digitalBAU 2026

Quotation management as a key process in building materials sales

Quotation preparation is one of the most time-consuming tasks in building materials sales. Extensive service specifications, different document formats, short deadlines, and internal coordination often lead to a high level of manual effort. This is precisely where there is enormous potential for AI-supported automation.

At digitalBAU, kinisto will demonstrate how AI is restructuring the quotation process: away from manual routine work and toward a transparent, efficient, and scalable quotation workflow.

kinisto: AI software for quotation creation for construction suppliers

kinisto is a tried-and-tested AI software for automating quotation creation for building material manufacturers and distributors. The solution holistically maps the real quotation process and supports sales teams from the initial inquiry to the final quotation.

kinisto is already used by over 50 companies with more than 1,000 users.

What AI-based quotation creation with kinisto means

kinisto’s AI supports construction suppliers precisely where valuable time has been lost in the past:

Centralized request management

All incoming requests are bundled and automatically analyzed. The AI recognizes relevant information such as project references, deadlines, and bill of quantities content and presents it in a structured manner. This allows sales teams to maintain an overview at all times and prioritize with maximum efficiency.

AI-supported processing of bills of quantities

Even extensive bills of quantities can be recorded in a very short time. The AI identifies items relevant to the quote, structures content, and significantly reduces the amount of manual checking required—a decisive advantage for quote preparation.

Intelligent product assignment: Based on your own portfolio, the AI suggests suitable products for the respective bill of quantity item. Through continuous learning, these suggestions become more precise with each quote – the self-learning AI achieves up to 95% accepted suggestions.

Efficient teamwork

kinisto supports smooth collaboration – regardless of location or team size. Comments, responsibilities, and processing statuses are transparent at all times.

Strategically important data at a glance

The analysis functions in kinisto offer comprehensive insights into inquiry volumes, process quality, and competitive situations – for continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

Measurable added value through AI in quotation creation

The use of AI in quotation creation pays off. Customers report:

• Over 50% time savings in the quotation process
• Significantly reduced manual effort
• Higher quotation quality and consistency
• Significant relief for qualified specialists

This transforms quotation creation from a bottleneck to a strategic success factor.

Customer example HEKATRON: 80% accurate product suggestions after just 4 weeks

In the past, offers had to be laboriously recorded. With kinisto, employees now only have to check suggestions.

After just 4 weeks of use, the AI’s product suggestions were already 80% accurate, with an upward trend.

“We were able to get started after just a few days without a lengthy setup process and were impressed by the accuracy of the product suggestions. The software is easy to use and fits perfectly with our process—as a result, we can now create quotes much faster than before,” says Alexander Schöpflin, Head of the Planning and Project Management Department at HEKATRON.

Experience AI quotation creation at digitalBau 2026

At digitalBAU 2026, we will be demonstrating live how AI-supported quotation creation works in practice. At our booth, you will gain insights into real workflows, see concrete application examples, and have the opportunity to discuss your individual requirements.

📅 March 24–26, 2026

📍 Cologne, Koelnmesse

🏢 Hall 8 | Booth 8.555/C