Have you ever experienced a window frame not fitting because of a millimetre and the whole plan falling apart? Or when the measurement note gets blurred in the rain? Measurement errors are killers for your schedule and your wallet. But it doesn't have to be that way! In our interview with Andreas Weber from www.aufmass-app.com, we delve into the topic of ‘digital measurement’. We talk about how you can retire your pen and paper and have error-free data directly in your planning with just a few clicks. Whether you build windows, install doors or work with wood in any other way, find out what tools are available, how to choose them and how to use them to not only optimise your processes but also radically minimise errors.
Andreas Weber, in your opinion, what are the top three factors of analogue measurement that slow down craft businesses?
Andreas Weber: The top three efficiency killers are, first, time lost due to manual processes. Manually writing down measurements, subsequently transferring them to Excel or the ERP system, and recalculating them costs valuable hours in the office.
Second, high error rates and complaints. Even a transposed number or illegible notes on the construction site can lead to costly disorders that blow schedules and budgets.
And thirdly: lack of traceability and missing standards. Documents can become blurred in the rain, measurements are difficult to trace, or photos have no direct reference to the measurement position. Digital measurement eliminates this double burden and creates immediate, error-free transparency.
Where do you see the biggest specific problems in the measurement processes of the window and door construction industry? How can digital measurement provide a direct remedy here – but also in other industries and trades?
Andreas Weber: The biggest problem is media discontinuity, i.e. the transfer of values from paper to software, and the lack of guided measurement, even though precision is a top priority. Digital measurement provides a remedy through:
- Guided and standardised recording: Instead of handwritten notes, the app guarantees a uniform structure for all measurements (such as rebate and special measurements) and guides the user so that no values are forgotten. An automatic plausibility check immediately prevents transposed digits.
- Complete, position-accurate documentation: The app links measurements, photos, sketches and notes directly to the respective position. This ensures visual traceability of the installation situation and makes assembly much easier.
- Direct data transfer: There is no need for double data entry in the office. Measurement data flows immediately into further processing via direct interfaces, e.g. to KLAES and ProLogic, or exports via Excel. This saves up to 70 percent of the time.
In addition to correct measurements, complete documentation is of course important. What features should you generally look for when choosing a digital measurement solution? What role do existing or missing data interfaces play in the decision for or against a digital measurement solution? Which ones are important for whom and why?
Andreas Weber: A good solution must do more than just record measurements; it must also document all relevant contextual data without gaps: photos, sketches, installation situations, special requests and free notes. Interfaces are at the heart of the matter. An independent app with open interfaces such as CSV, Excel, JSON and XML is crucial. This ensures maximum flexibility and does not make you dependent on industry software. This is important for fabricators and measurement technicians, as it enables fast, intuitive recording directly via Bluetooth laser and immediate PDF/EXCEL export for order confirmation with the customer. For manufacturers and the office, standardised enquiries and direct transfer to industry software such as KLAES and ProLogic are important in order to start quotations and production without time-consuming queries.
What functions and interfaces does your app offer to record data, photos, sketches, notes and the installation situation completely and clearly?
Andreas Weber: The measurement app offers a comprehensive, web-based solution. Direct measurement recording allows dimensions, rebate dimensions and offsets to be transferred directly from the laser distance measuring device to the app via a Bluetooth connection, eliminating typing errors. In the multimedia documentation, all measurements are linked to their exact position with photos, sketches, notes and specific additional parameters such as profile, glass type and colour. All information is stored as structured data in real time in the cloud and is GDPR-compliant. An offline version is also available should there be no internet connection. Thanks to direct interfaces to KLAES and ProLogic (or universal API interfaces), all data flows into further business processes without media discontinuity. This creates seamless integration.
Modern companies work with CAD, CAM, ERP or merchandise management systems. What data interfaces and export formats does Aufmass-App.com offer to avoid media discontinuity and ensure seamless further processing of data in the workshop, on the construction site and in the office?
Andreas Weber: Our focus is on the seamless further processing of data in all systems: we offer deep integration with the leading industry software KLAES and ProLogic through direct interfaces. For calculations and simple data sheets, we offer standard formats such as the classic Excel export. Our sketches and photos also support design work in CAD systems. Open data formats such as flexible CSV, Excel and JSON formats allow measurement data to be easily integrated into any other ERP, merchandise management or CAM system. The aim is to achieve a consistent, media-break-free workflow from the construction site to calculation and production for all systems used by a fabricator or manufacturer.
How does your measurement app support collaboration between a company's field service, construction site and office? How does it support collaboration with external project partners such as planners, other companies, etc.?
Andreas Weber: The cloud-based architecture is the basis for efficient collaboration. This provides advantages in the following areas:
- Real-time transparency internally: Field staff and office staff access the same, always up-to-date data set in real time. If a colleague takes measurements on site, the office can immediately start preparing a quote. This minimises queries and avoids duplication of work.
- Collaboration: Photos, sketches and measurements can be annotated. This makes it easier for the next processing stages to understand the situation on site without time-consuming clarification discussions.
- External communication: External partners such as planners or suppliers receive Excel or PDF exports where all the necessary information is automatically prepared. All measurements, images, sketches and notes are in one document, allowing the necessary information to be passed on in a bundled form.
What technological developments can we expect in the field of digital measurement over the next two to three years? What innovations and further developments will there be in the measurement app?
Andreas Weber: The next steps for our app are:
- AI will make measurement faster in the future by automatically recognising window and door openings – the craftsman will continue to provide the exact measurements.
- DXF files can be generated directly from the app and serve as a starting point for further design work.
- Preparation of measurement data so that it complies with standards and legal requirements such as the Construction Products Regulation, energy efficiency and insulation regulations
- Integration of solutions such as the ift installation planner and ID4WIN to provide optimum support for current and future legal documentation requirements
A key focus remains the expansion of open interfaces to all standard industry software, such as 3E, A+W Cantor, etc. Our goal is and remains to enable tradespeople in the field of windows, doors and insect screens to record data independently, quickly and easily and to transfer the data to any subsequent system without reworking.
Thank you very much for the interview! See you at the Future Room at FENSTERRBAU FRONTALE + HOLZ-HANDWERK 2026!
Many more directly applicable tips and practical knowledge on the subject of ‘digital measurement’ from Andreas Weber will be available on stage at the Future Room (Zukunftsraum) at FENSTERRBAU FRONTALE + HOLZ-HANDWERK from 24 to 27 March 2026! There you will find innovative solutions, digital tools, trends and fresh ideas, live demonstrations, exciting presentations, lively expert interviews and a fully digitalised craft office that you can try out for yourself!
