The construction industry is currently experiencing profound change. While on construction sites, state-of-the-art technologies are often already in use, digitalization in inquiry processing often still lags behind. Yet this is exactly where enormous potential lies for efficiency gains and competitive advantages. AI-powered software in particular is revolutionizing how building materials distributors create offers today.
Challenges in Traditional Quotation Processes
Who doesn’t know them – the typical scenarios in inside sales: Long Excel lists, cumbersome browsing through bills of quantities, and time-consuming manual product assignment. An average BOQ often contains hundreds of items that must be individually reviewed and processed. This process is not only time-intensive but also error-prone and ties up valuable resources.
Change Through AI-Powered Automation
The integration of artificial intelligence into the quotation process marks a turning point. Modern AI quote software can:
- Automatically capture incoming inquiries
- Automatically process BOQs in various formats (PDF, GAEB, email)
- Independently identify relevant items
- Automatically suggest matching products
- Precisely transfer units and quantities
The AI continuously learns from each processing and steadily improves its product suggestions.
Concrete Benefits for Building Materials Trade
1. Massive Time Savings
Automation of repetitive tasks leads to time savings of 50% and more in inquiry processing. Employees can use this gained time for more important tasks like customer consultation and strategic planning.
2. Higher Quality
Through automated review and standardized processes, the error rate drops significantly. AI-powered product matching ensures that no position is overlooked and all technical specifications are correctly considered.
3. Improved Competitiveness
Faster response times to inquiries mean a decisive competitive advantage. Those who submit a high-quality quote first have better chances of winning the contract.
The Human Component Remains Important
Despite all automation: The human remains an important factor. AI is an intelligent assistant that takes over routine tasks and prepares decisions. Final review and approval still lies in the hands of experienced employees. Thanks to AI support, they can focus on their core competencies.
Conclusion
Digital transformation in building materials trade is in full swing. AI-powered quotation process is not just a temporary trend, but a decisive success factor. Companies that invest early in these technologies secure a competitive advantage. The combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence creates the perfect balance between efficiency and quality.
Offer Creation with the Intelligent Software kinisto
kinisto is the AI-based software for automating quotation management specifically for building materials manufacturers and distributors. The software recognizes relevant items in bills of quantities and automatically suggests matching products. Through the self-learning AI in kinisto, product suggestions become more precise with each finalized offer.
