Digital solutions for manufacturers of components and systems for the construction industry
Windows | doors | light switches | façade elements | fittings
Digitalization in the construction supply industry
From the warehouse to the construction site
Between fluctuating raw material prices, strict ESG requirements, an acute shortage of skilled workers and growing digitalization along the value chain, requirements are increasing at all levels – from the factory to the construction site. Customers, dealers and planners expect networked processes, transparent data and flexible responsiveness. If you want to remain competitive, you need reliable processes, data-based decisions and networked systems across all channels.
With Axians for construction suppliers, we shape your digital transformation along the entire process chain: from tendering and product data management to delivery to the construction site. We combine in-depth industry knowledge with scalable solutions for production, logistics, sales and service. This is how we turn traditional structures into digital efficiency networks – future-proof, profitable and sustainable.
What counts now: Resilient supply chains, flexible order processing, digitally integrated partners – and a system landscape that intelligently integrates planning, production and sales.
What developments are changing the construction supply industry?
Changing requirements in planning, logistics and customer relations are coming up against increasing pressure from ecological requirements, new regulations and the digital transformation. If you want to remain competitive now, you have to rethink processes – networked, efficient and future-oriented.
The most important drivers:
Digitization in the construction site context:
BIM, digital delivery bills, automated material logistics
Increasing individualization & diversity of variants:
Product data must be configurable and available in a media-neutral format
Scarcity of raw materials & ESG compliance
Sustainable production and seamless traceability are becoming the standard
Skills shortage & automation:
Intelligent systems relieve people in planning, warehousing & logistics
How we make construction suppliers fit for the future
Punctuality, availability and construction site logistics are crucial. At the same time, the requirements for proof of delivery, traceability and resource conservation are growing. With SAP S/4HANA and cloud-based SCM solutions, you can optimize material flows, inventories and partner connections.
Important levers:
- Digital delivery instructions & traceability
- Integration of supplier & forwarder networks
- Sustainable transport planning with CO₂ monitoring
As part of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the federal government has essentially made the digital transformation a legal requirement. From 2020, all federal infrastructure projects will be digitally collected on a platform with all construction-relevant data.Customers, planners and retailers expect detailed, configurable product information – digital, consistent and available across all touchpoints. We help to set up central product data platforms and automated variant logic.
Focus areas:
- SAP-based PIM systems and BIM integration
- Variant configuration and media-neutral data provision
- Automated interfaces to customer portals, tendering tools & trading partners
Production lines and storage areas are under pressure: short delivery times, many variants and increasing ESG requirements demand flexible, transparent processes. With SAP DMC, IoT and digital store floor management, we create the framework for networked production – including energy and waste monitoring.
What counts:
- Production control in real time
- Integration of production & storage systems
- ESG-compliant monitoring of resource consumption
With the help of customer relationship management systems, the sale of countless products can be made digital and simple. This not only relieves the burden on employees, but also brings in a new structure and clarity. It also eliminates the need to enter data multiple times and takes care of data storage. The role of traditional trade is changing. Construction suppliers need their own digital sales channels – without losing the trade. We help to connect online portals, field service solutions and dealer platforms – for a seamless customer experience.
Success factors:
- Integration of field service apps & mobile CRM
- Customer portals with product configuration & availability display
- Omnichannel control between direct sales and partners
After-sales processes are becoming increasingly important – be it for spare parts, maintenance or warranty. With end-to-end processes for field service management, complaints and spare parts supply, you can ensure customer loyalty and efficiency.
Focal points:
- Automated complaint processing
- Integration of service processes in SAP S/4HANA
- Digital spare parts catalogs & self-service offers
5 digital solutions for the construction industry – Building more efficiently with modern technologies
The introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is legally on the rise in Germany – especially in the public construction sector. Since 2023, BIM has been mandatory for projects worth €50 million or more, and from 2025 from €0.5 million. From 2027, all federal construction projects are to be based on BIM.
With the right BIM software, you not only create transparency and planning security, but also meet legal requirements at an early stage – and integrate planning data directly into your ERP and project management systems.
Digital tools for construction site management make it possible to plan, monitor and execute construction projects efficiently. Modern software solutions link scheduling, resources, costs and execution in one platform – without media disruptions.
Industry-specific ERP software for the construction industry combines commercial processes such as finance, purchasing, warehousing and materials management with project-based work. This allows construction sites to be managed economically, costs to be controlled transparently and processes to be automated.
Whether it’s a construction diary, defect management or the obligation to provide proof – with digital documentation and mobile time recording via app, you save time, avoid errors and comply with legal requirements. Data can be recorded directly on site and transferred centrally to your systems.
Your machines and vehicles are key assets – with digital fleet management, you can keep track of operating times, maintenance intervals and locations. Telematics data can be intelligently evaluated and integrated into maintenance planning.
Ready for the next step into the cloud?
Discover how you can modernize your business processes, accelerate innovation and future-proof your IT landscape with RISE with SAP – all from a single source.
Find out more about RISE with SAP Journey now
What can we do for you?
Michael Scharff
Senior Sales Manager
