The digital future of the roofing trade - Creator Futureday

These are the big topics such as digitization and sustainability, who employ crafts. Now, for the first time, roof tile manufacturer Creaton brought together specialist companies, manufacturers and people at the interfaces of the roofing and carpentry trade on their Future Day in Stuttgart.

Speakers at the trade fair pragmatically showed what a successful future could look like and how the craft sector is getting there. It became clear that digitization is only possible to create with many small steps. But more is needed.

About meaning, demographics & networks

Future Day included keynote speeches, accompanying bar camps and a specialist forum with innovative technologies and networking opportunities.

After approval by the organizer and the Central Association of German Roofing Crafts (Mike Schilling, ZVDH) and Holzbau Baden-Württemberg (Gerd Renz) makes Jörg Mosler the mark-up.

Winning employees means winning people

With these words, speaker Jörg Mosler, who is well-known in the craft sector, makes it clear that only through emotions, sense and character can a craft business function successfully.

Employees and, above all, customers are not only convinced and impressed by their work performance or salary. What is needed is strong, positive emotions, which everyone can achieve through authenticity and a bit of extra effort.

A clear vision helps right from the start

The closing speech by our Plancraft managing director Julian Wiedenhaus struck a similar note. In his keynote speech about parallels and differences in founding a start-up or craft business, he also referred to the importance of a clear vision.

“100% of companies know what they're doing, but just a new know why.”

Establishing the original drive is often based on a problem that needs to be solved. It is important to show this motivation and passion to the environment. Products and services are then the expression of this drive.

The modern roof needs more collaboration

Roofing podcast presenter and state guild champion BW Karl-Heinz Krawczyk summed up the most important topics in the modern roofing trade: from working in the cloud to a necessary rethink of the climate crisis.

Tomorrow's roof has more and more requirements. This means that electricians, carpenters and roofers must work together.

According to Krawczyk, the installation of modern energy solutions on the roofs of our houses and therefore on the roofs of our cities is essential. This requires the expertise and technical know-how of several trades. It is necessary to think in terms of projects and no longer just in terms of trades.

Digitalization: Step by step to success

The big topic of the day - digitization - many speakers took part.

• Market researcher Martin Langen (B+L Market Data GmbH),
• Civil engineer and digital pioneer Jan van Meegern,
• siblings Felix & Anne Moll (Moll Roofing & Construction Plumbing GmbH)

It became clear to everyone that digitization is a huge spectrum and a bit different for every company. Therefore, it only helps Trouble peut à peut to solve.

The Molls show the success of this approach. After analyzing the core areas of their company, they assign appropriate solutions, from foundations (ERP/craftsman software) to communication with employees or aftercare for customers.

How will the roofing craft develop?

Operating figures are declining. From over 103,000 roofers and carpenters in Germany, we will see a significant slump by 2030. Estimates vary significantly. By 2030, around 125,000 businesses and 75,000 companies for the entire craft sector will be available for takeover due to age.

Demographic change is to blame for this. Many of the Boomer generation will retire in the next few years due to age and the next generation is not represented strongly enough in terms of numbers.

Digital, authentic, with expertise and sustainability - This is the only way to inspire young people and win them over for the roof of the future. The challenges are manifold. But events such as Creaton Future Day focus the light on the right places. With a combined desire to change, improve and innovate, these mega tasks are mastered.