Intelligent building technology for craft businesses

Crafts 4.0: How can craft businesses exploit the full potential of smart building technology in terms of comfort, cost savings, and energy efficiency?

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

In many craft businesses enormous automation potential lies dormantThe first step towards digital building technology is usually taken by Installation of smart devices in offices, workshops, warehouses and sales rooms. But only through the use of cross-manufacturer networking and automation options Craftsmen can Maximize comfort and safety during operation – and save time, energy and money.

For this purpose there are special automation solutions and standards like "Matter" (see table). These allow manual routine tasks to be replaced by targeted programming, so that the Devices communicate with each other across manufacturers and act according to predefined rulesThis works with almost all smart devices, such as Thermostats and motion detectors, timers, cameras, but also door sensors as well as lighting, air conditioning and alarm systems.

Investments in smart devices often pay for themselves quickly through savings in energy and working time.

When the workshop thinks along


A smart workshop, for example, knows when it’s time to finish work: With simple programming based on the principle "If This Then That" (If this, then that), For example, lights and heating can be switched off automatically after the last movement in the room at a certain timeA motion detector at the workshop entrance not only turns the lights on and off, but also sends a notification if activity is detected after hours. This saves energy, increases safety, and reduces anxiety. Even leaving the workshop door open after a certain time can trigger an immediate notification.

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Such basic functions are often already available with intuitive services such as IFTTT.com or the routines common smart home assistants feasible, such as Alexa or Google Home. Devices and apps communicate via the cloud, allowing convenient configuration from anywhere. Use of the cloud is generally GDPR compliantif the providers comply with European standards. The disadvantage of the cloud is the dependence on an internet connection: If this fails, the programming will no longer work.

From warehouse to salesroom 


However, the automation possibilities are not limited to the workshop: In the warehouse, sensors can report when material stocks fall below a critical level and so on Initiate reorder processIn offices and sales rooms, the Automatically adjust lighting to the time of day and the presence of peopleto create a pleasant atmosphere and save electricity. Control of ventilation and air conditioning systems based on temperature and air quality sensors, is conceivable.

However, very complex scenarios are also possible, such as the connection between Time recording and room climate control: When the last employee leaves the building, the heating is turned down, the alarm system is activated, and the lights are turned off. This is where more powerful platforms such as Home Assistant or openHAB These open-source solutions offer a high degree of flexibility and the ability to integrate virtually any smart device. They can often also be operated locally, without a constant cloud connection, which increases reliability and data security.

The path to smart operations


Photo: © DHB

Getting started with automation is neither expensive nor complicated: It is recommended to start with manual processesthat are the most time-consuming or annoying in the company. The next step is to start with a single area, such as the Lighting in the office or heating in the workshop, and to use a simple automation solution here.

Investments in smart devices often pay for themselves quickly through savings in energy and working time as well as a significant increase in comfort.

Automate and profit


And finally ... Especially in times of rising energy costs, skilled labor shortages, and growing security requirements, the digitalization of building technology offers clear advantages. Automated systems take over routine tasks, reduce sources of error, increase reliability, and create more freedom for what matters most—the craftsmanship itself.

Automated systems provide more freedom for what matters most – the craft itself.

Checklist: Preparing automationsObjective

What goals should be achieved with automation in the company? (Energy savings, time efficiency, comfort, safety) 
What possible areas of employment are there in the company? (Workshop, office, fleet, warehouse, customer service)

Equipment inventory
What smart devices are already in place? (Thermostats, cameras, lighting, timers, sensors, machine controls, alarm systems) 
Which common automation standards or solutions are the devices compatible with? 

Automation processes
What scenarios and automations are desired? (Heating control based on presence/outside temperature, automatic lighting when movement occurs in the warehouse, push notifications in the event of water damage, power outage, or alarm)

Platform
Which automation solution is best suited to your goals, desired processes, and existing and future devices?

Compatibility
Smart home standard "Matter"
When purchasing new smart devices, it's advisable to pay attention to openness and established standards. One of the most important is "Matter": This was developed by technology companies to ensure cross-manufacturer compatibility of smart home devices. Therefore, Matter-certified devices work seamlessly with any Matter-compatible system. This usually means very simple networking in everyday life.

Checklist: Integrating and operating smart devices1. Network infrastructure
- Ensure stable Wi-Fi or LAN, especially in workshops and storage rooms
- Outsource "Internet of Things" devices to a separate network (Virtual Local Area Network)
- Also important: Regular firmware updates and secure passwords

2. Devices
- Connect compatible devices to the selected platform
- Prioritize devices with open application programming interfaces (APIs) or Matter support

3. Control options
- Configure mobile apps for remote access
- Use web dashboards for central control in the office or on tablets in the workshop
- Set up rights and user management for employees

4. Privacy and Security
- Critically examine cloud connections and/or rely on local control
- Enable two-factor authentication - Regularly check device access

5. Test runs
- Test and log automations individually
- Get feedback from the team
- Identify optimization opportunities

6. Maintenance
- Set a schedule for updates and system reviews
- Prepare for future expansions (machine integration, new devices or locations)
- Create and regularly update documentation

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