CM4B2C

Initial Situation

The shortage of skilled workers in the trades sector has led to declining economic expectations. The lack of qualified personnel necessitates an increase in the efficiency of the activities performed by the existing workforce. In the manufacturing industry, this is achieved, for example, through the implementation of sensor technology and data collection. The analysis of this data using algorithms enables condition monitoring (‘CM’ – short for ‘Condition Monitoring’) of various machines and systems by maintenance technicians, reducing the number of maintenance tasks through a lower number of demand-driven maintenance measures.

In the consumer market (‘B2C’ – short for ‘Buyer to Customer Market’), and particularly in trade services for consumers, such solutions are hardly represented. For this reason, the ‘CM4B2C’ project aims to transfer knowledge about CM from the industrial market to the consumer market. The project focuses on the example of pipe leaks in residential buildings, specifically to support plumbers and thus create a concrete benefit for a particular profession.

Solution Approach

In the ‘CM4B2C’ project, approaches and environmental conditions from industrial services with a focus on condition monitoring are transferred to the consumer market. The target application group includes property management and the trades sector. Three key focus areas are considered: maintenance concepts, IT implementation, and business model development.

After gathering requirements in these fields, sensors will be selected based on the maintenance concept and installed in residential units. Once the sensors are operational, information flows will be outlined based on the identified requirements and integrated into a platform that serves as a pilot for further development. Finally, using this platform, the collaboration between tradespeople and property management will be structured through maintenance guidelines and blueprints for business models. Throughout the project, organization and dissemination efforts will be carried out to ensure its progress and impact.

Expected Result

In the ‘CM4B2C’ project, a platform for Condition Monitoring (CM) is being developed for the consumer market. This platform will be complemented by business models adapted from the industrial sector to ensure sustainable operation in the B2C market.

Benefits for the Target Group

For the target group, a comprehensive concept of a digital product is created, including sensor technology, algorithms, a service bundle, and communication strategies.