Let's just get started with AI.

Håndverksgruppen had invited guests to a fireside chat. When it comes to AI in the trades, the message is: just give it a try.

When it comes to AI, the unanimous opinion is that it's indispensable . But where do you begin? What can artificial intelligence actually implement, and how, if you have expertise in craftsmanship but not in IT? This fascinating question was the focus of the fireside chat hosted by Håndverksgruppen in Düsseldorf.

Marcel Martini, Managing Director of the AI ​​specialist Susi&James GmbH, provided an overview of AI for craft businesses. Photo: © HåndverksgruppenIndeed Every second company now uses AI in its business., however in completely different forms and Intensities. "It is important that everyone sees AI as a tool that should simplify work and make it more efficient.", says Marcel Martini, CEO of the AI ​​specialist Susi&James GmbHThe biggest advantage is that AI is now able to trigger actions and processes itself to achieve a predefined result.

Start with simple solutions

However, it's also true that solutions must be individually tailored to each company, especially when dealing with more complex structures that require the implementation of software vendor tools. Even in the trades, a start can be made with simple products like a smart office, where AI acts as a "replacement" for the switchboard . AI can now conduct entire conversations, retrieve information, and interact with existing programs. Callers automatically receive the information they need, even if it's just that the boss will call back – without being annoyed by the AI. In such cases, however, the call should be returned within 24 hours.

Four levels for AI deployment

Martini made it clear that the initial steps should be gradual . Careful handling of personal data and company know-how must also be considered. His AI company defines four stages:

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Level 1: Using typical services like ChatGPT , Microsoft Copilot , Gemini , or Claude at manageable costs . Copilot costs 30 euros per month and, for example, provides meeting reports, summarizes emails, or can create a simple website in a few minutes.

Stage 2: Low-code automation, for example with Microsoft Power Automate or Zapier , to map business processes via "click, drag, and pinch". This allows, for example, a complaint to be automatically checked and forwarded to the service manager.

Stage 3: Integration of your own company software.

Stage 4: Complete in-house development of an AI, which is very expensive and primarily suitable for large companies.

Lively discussion

There was intensive discussion about the use of AI both before and after Marcel Martini's presentation. Photo: © HåndverksgruppenThe subsequent discussion showed just how pressing the issue was for the tradespeople. In the skilled trades, the focus is primarily on meaningful applications for AI. They see a first step in reducing the workload by using AI to help ensure constant electronic accessibility. AI can also assist with construction site documentation by identifying missing information such as technical details and transferring spoken texts, like findings or activities, into templates. The same applies to creating offers or reviewing tenders.

A live demonstration using Microsoft Copilot showed how this works in practice , with a customer complaining about discrepancies between the quote and the invoice. The prompt, which included analyzing the communication, identifying the discrepancies, and formulating a friendly, detailed email, delivered a successful response from the actual data in less than two minutes – saving the tradesperson a considerable amount of time.

The boss can then use this to involve employees who can support him, for example, in social media, such as with the automated, AI-supported formulation and design of posts. " Pilot projects demonstrate clear efficiency gains ," says Martini. "One employee reduced the time for a project by 60 percent solely through AI-supported calculations." His conclusion: "Patience and consistency are crucial for implementation."

For H å ndwerksgruppen (HG), it was a successful start , even though the event deserved even more participants. HG's Group CEO, Øyvind Emblem, and HG Germany's Managing Director, Sascha Gellrich, were both impressed by the engaged and practical discussion surrounding the topic of AI. "We've really hit a nerve," said Emblem. "And I believe we can provide our partners with crucial impetus in this area as well."

Håndverksgruppen ( HG ) is the largest and fastest-growing provider of painting, flooring, tiling, and masonry services. Since its founding in 2020, HG has built a network of over 170 companies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and, since 2023, in Germany, and is currently seeking additional partners in Germany.

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