Artisans adept at social networks
A large majority of craftsmen interviewed say they have a website (68,5%) and are very present on social networks (78%). Among these, Facebook is widely acclaimed with 58% of artisans who go there regularly. Next are Linkedin (44%) and Instagram (22%). Twitter is only used by 5% of them. Note that artisans who have a website are even more present on social networks (87%).
Craftsmen very equipped to work
The equipment rate is quite high among the craftsmen interviewed. 83% say they have a laptop for business and 82,5% have a smartphone. Of course, most of them use several tools (2,6 on average per craftsman).
Information seeking is the first objective for which artisans use the terminals with which they are equipped (96%). It is mainly with their smartphone that they carry out this research (72%) and then via their laptop (58%). Then come the completion of quotes (91%) and then customer management (88%).
To manage their activity, artisans prefer the laptop, however: 73% for drawing up quotes and managing customers; 63% for invoicing; 65% for order management; 70% to find and manage prospects.
In the same way, the use of configurators (73% of craftsmen) or simulators (63%) is mainly done on a laptop (68% and 59% respectively).
Among the services available to artisans, it should be noted that only 14% of them use intermediation platforms to find work sites and be put in contact with individuals.
In the same way, BIM is only used by 15% of craftsmen for their sites. On the other hand, they more easily use professional applications (36%). Virtual reality, and in particular the use of 3D glasses, is still only used by 4% of them.
Automation: a development lever for artisans
Craftsmen are well aware of the potential represented by connected objects. Demand is indeed increasing on the part of customers and these solutions offer numerous advantages in terms of comfort, energy savings and home performance. It is therefore a real business development opportunity for professionals and most have taken this turn for some time now.
Thus 87% of the craftsmen questioned are able to respond to automation requests, mainly on gates (46%) and shutters (44%). Blinds come in third place with 30%, followed by doors (19%) and windows (11%).
When they offer this solution, 54% have integrated this skill into their business and 46% have used a third party (subcontractor or partner).
In terms of automation requests, artisans declare receiving 70% spontaneously. Again, it is mainly gates and shutters that are affected (49% for both), but also blinds at 33% then doors (23%) and windows (15%).
“The digital transition is underway and inevitable. Building professionals, particularly those in the bay and the metal industry, have perfectly understood this and have been moving in this direction for a few years. To differentiate themselves from their competitors and meet the needs of their customers or even anticipate them, they know that having digital tools is essential and this is what the study that we carried out shows. Even if progress can be made, and this is why a fair like EQUIPBAIE-METALEXPO is essential to support professionals. It is no coincidence that our theme for this year was "The future of professions and digital technology". ", says Guillaume Loizeaud, director of ÉQUIPBAIE-MÉTALEXPO.