The Wenture team participated in the BAU trade fair from January 13–17, 2025, as part of the Estonian joint stand. BAU is the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and construction systems, held in Munich, Germany.
BAU is where today meets tomorrow – we witnessed cutting-edge technologies alongside solutions that are already widely used in the construction sector.
Configurators: can the construction industry keep up?
The BAU trade fair was the perfect place to showcase how Wenture’s configurator and PIM system help construction companies manage data and automate processes. The strong interest from visitors confirmed that we are on the right track.
But where does the broader construction industry stand? It seems that one-third of companies are already ahead, using configurators effectively. Another third is trying to catch up, while the rest have yet to realize how far behind they are—or are consciously avoiding configurator adoption. Many who initially tried to develop custom-made configurators or build their own quickly realized that it was costly and complex—making ready-made solutions the smarter choice.
The solutions showcased at BAU proved that automated production processes are no longer a distant vision but a near-future standard. At Wenture, we dare to dream of an even faster link between sales and production. Imagine a sales configurator sending production drawings directly to a CNC machine. This is no longer science fiction but an achievable reality. The construction industry is already moving in this direction, and those who don’t jump on board may fall far behind.
Wenture at BAU: a glimpse into the past and the future
At the BAU trade fair, we felt like time travelers. On one hand, cutting-edge technologies were on full display, while on the other, stands featuring AutoCAD copies and drafting tools took us back to an era when engineers relied on rulers and templates. Is this a nostalgic reminder or a sign that part of the industry is stuck in the past? While there was a touch of sentimentality in the air, the innovative solutions at the fair sent a clear message—the future is already here.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic vision—it’s becoming as common on construction sites as helmets and safety vests. AI-powered systems scan workers to ensure they are wearing the required protective gear, while drones inspect post-construction work for accuracy. IoT devices monitor material flow in real time, instantly flagging any supply chain issues. The result? Fewer errors and a more efficient workflow.
The trade fair also highlighted the next generation of measurement devices. Handheld LiDARs and backpack-mounted 3D data collection systems stood out, capable of creating ultra-precise point clouds in a fraction of a second. Integrating AI into these workflows enables instant analysis of a building’s energy usage and efficiency. NavVis has developed a fast and mobile solution for point cloud generation, making detailed building measurements easily accessible. Hottgenroth Software has introduced an AI-driven solution that generates a 3D model of a building based on existing plans, while Equa Solutions can perform dynamic energy calculations directly from the 3D model.
Virtual reality is no longer just for gamers—it’s becoming a powerful tool in sales. For example, an Italian sliding door manufacturer uses VR technology to give American customers a realistic product experience without traveling to a showroom. By putting on VR glasses, the client can feel as if they are inside their future home—eliminating surprises and leading to faster, more confident purchasing decisions.
BAU made the contrast clear: some companies are embracing digitalization, while others remain stuck in the past. While a few still hold on to traditional AutoCAD and compasses, the future belongs to AI, IoT, cloud technology, and configurators. Wenture is at the heart of this innovation and ready to help modernize the construction sector.
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We are grateful to Enterprise Europe Network Estonia and EIS for their support in bringing us to the fair. The Estonian delegation was well-represented, featuring companies such as AVRAME LLC, Bisly, Lotus Timber, Peetri Puit, Primostar, Puidukoda, Viking Window, ÖÖD Mirror House, Woodhouse Estonia, and many others. Together, we showcased Estonia’s ability to optimize and digitalize the construction industry.
The fair was a source of inspiration and reaffirmed that we are on the right path. Technology is evolving, and we are evolving with it!
