Process digitalization: Become master of your own data

In the next five years, companies must digitize and automate their processes—otherwise, AI or the Internet of Things won't be a success. Experts from chambers and associations are offering assistance.

This article is part of the special feature on digital craftsmanship.

Three keys on many businesses' computers are probably quite worn out by now – Ctrl, C, and V. Data is copied from one program and pasted into another. There are many potential destinations – a customer file, a spreadsheet, or the employee time-tracking software. " This back and forth between different programs wastes time that isn't paid ," says Christoph Krause. The head of the Koblenz Digital Crafts Competence Center and his two employees are experts in process digitization. They visit businesses and examine where the bottlenecks are. "Much in the skilled trades is already digitized, but not automated. We often encounter ten to twelve different isolated solutions that we need to integrate into a seamless workflow. "

Christoph Krause is an expert in process digitalization. He heads the Koblenz Competence Center for Digital Crafts. Photo: © Stefan Veres

The consultation comprises three steps. First, all business processes are documented using the international standard language Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). "BPMN is what makes it possible for entrepreneurs and IT experts to communicate on the same level," explains Krause. As a second step, he places great emphasis on raising awareness among his clients from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about process-oriented thinking. This not only saves money because automated processes make work more efficient, but also opens up additional revenue streams. " When tradespeople see their own process model in front of them, most suddenly discover new business models, " he says. Finally, the focus shifts to improving the IT infrastructure with affordable solutions.

Try out and understand digitalization

Crafts must become masters of data. However, this requires one thing: knowing how digitalization works. Christoph Krause has a simple recipe for this: do it yourself and understand it. The Koblenz Chamber of Crafts' competence center, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, houses state-of-the-art machinery. But nothing becomes outdated as quickly as technology. The key is to find your own business idea and capitalize on it. There's a lot of potential in the crafts sector. But implementation is lacking.

Barcamp: Presenting and developing ideas

Christoph Krause has recognized this problem. He brings together a balanced mix of digital experts and entrepreneurs at two-day barcamps and hackathons.
At a Barcamp, 200 to 300 people initially meet in a large room. Everyone with an idea presents it. "Everyone who's interested forms a group, retreats to another room, and develops the idea." The results are presented to the remaining participants at the end of the second day. Some groups have already spawned startups. One of the first success stories is the 3D configurator from the Kasper carpentry shop.

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Hackathon: Presenting and implementing ideas

The hackathon goes one step further. While all conceivable ideas for digital added value are thrown around, the focus is immediately on their technical implementation. Christoph Krause begins by highlighting a case study. "We connect a sensor that measures temperature, pressure, or humidity, for example, and transmits this data to a platform." Ideas emerge relatively quickly about what can be done with this. Like-minded people gather around a table. They receive support from the "help matrix," which consists of experts from the University of Koblenz and RWTH Aachen University. Their "coder boys" hop from table to table. Together with the craftspeople, they create an innovative product or new service. "There's an incredibly creative atmosphere. Some even work through the night." At the end of the second day, the groups present their business vision to everyone else.

Best practice examples in social media

Sharing experiences: Digital thought leaders share their insights on Facebook and Instagram . They also announce upcoming Barcamps and hackathons there. Openness is key. " We share our knowledge so everyone else can learn from it. " The Barcamps and hackathons, for example, are streamed live on the "Digital Makers" Facebook page. Companies advised by the Competence Center are also encouraged to share their experiences on social media. "Real tradespeople tell their stories and ours. This is how we drive digitalization in the trades."

Not the customer, but a digital platform decides

One thing is certain for Christoph Krause: " Anyone who doesn't tackle process digitization in the next five years won't be able to participate in subsequent steps like the Internet of Things, Building Information Modeling, or Artificial Intelligence. " Industry is already poised to take the plunge. Krause senses a veritable gold rush mentality. The lucrative target is, of all places, the skilled trades. "Anyone who wants to get rich looks at the process chains there, picks out a scalable element, digitizes it, and offers a corresponding service." If the skilled trades aren't careful and allow themselves to be pushed out of their own value chain, many businesses are threatened with extinction. " Soon, it won't be the customer who decides who repairs their car, their gutters, or their boiler, but a digital platform. "

Contact for companies

The Digital Crafts Competence Center consists of five so-called showcases. Each has its own focus.