Aarnink optimizes processes with AI-driven calculation

‍Introduction

Applying AI within the process

Aarnink Plastic Window Frames is growing in a market where customer expectations are rising and speed is becoming increasingly important. The organization works on diverse projects: from private renovations to large-scale new construction projects for major contractors. In this, calculation, preparation, and document analysis play a crucial role.

But at the same time, the amount of information that needs to be processed is also growing.

Specifications, drawings, BIM models, standards, BENG requirements, and technical specifications all need to be manually assessed before calculation can begin.

At Aarnink, it became increasingly clear:

The challenge lies in scalably processing complex requests with limited capacity.

Therefore, Aarnink together with Flawless Workflow, decided to explore how AI and data can help make calculation smarter, faster, and more future-proof.

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Ambition

AI as a process accelerator

Aarnink didn't just want to experiment with AI. The organization sought practical applications that would directly add value to the calculation process.

Their goals were clear:

• analyze specification documents faster,
• make calculation capacity scalable,
• spend less time on manual preparation,
• consistent processing of project requirements,
• gain faster insights into risks and standards,
• and build a solid foundation for future AI applications.

At the same time, Aarnink also saw broader opportunities:

• AI for calculation preparation,
• automatic extraction of dimensions and frame types,
• smarter production and CNC control,
• inventory optimization,
• and better insight into operational and financial data.

But they also knew: AI only works well when the underlying data and processes are in order.

Therefore, the focus wasn't just on AI use cases, but also discussed the role of data and the underlying foundation for future AI applications.

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Solution

From specification analysis to a foundation for AI

Together with Flawless Workflow, Aarnink is exploring how AI can structurally support the calculation process.

The initial focus is on the Specification Agent: an AI solution that automatically:

• analyzes specifications,
• structures technical requirements,
• extracts relevant information from drawings,
• clarifies standards and product specifications,
• and prepares calculations.

Where calculators previously spent hours manually sifting through documents, the Specification Agent helps make information available faster and more consistently.

The solution supports Aarnink in:

• faster assessment of requests,
• reducing manual search efforts,
• better structuring of information,
• and making calculation processes scalable.

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Results

A future-proof calculation process

With the Specification Agent, Aarnink is taking the first step towards a smarter and future-proof way of calculating. Less time is lost on preparation, while insight, consistency, and scalability increase.

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1. Less time spent on specification analysis

For large projects, requests often include extensive document packages with:

• specifications,
• drawings,
• BIM models,
• standards,
• additional technical documentation.

Manually collecting and interpreting this information takes estimators several hours per project.

The Specification Agent automates a large part of this initial analysis.

Documents are automatically read, structured, and summarized, allowing estimators to focus more quickly on substantive assessment and calculation.

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2. More consistency in estimation preparation

Within estimation processes, discrepancies often arise due to the interpretation of documents and regulations.

The Specification Agent helps Aarnink to:

• uniformly analyze project requirements,
• provide better insight into standards,
• centrally structure information,
• and become less dependent on individual knowledge.

This results in greater predictability and consistency throughout the entire estimation process.

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3. A foundation for future AI applications

For Aarnink, AI isn't just about speed today, but also about scalability tomorrow.

Beyond calculation, the organization is exploring applications such as:

• automatic dimension extraction,
• AI for CNC and production optimization,
• smart batch processing,
• inventory optimization,
• alk to your Data solutions for operational insights.

The Specification Agent represents the first practical step towards broader AI adoption within the organization.

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Impact

Growing with the same team

Although the AI solutions are still under development, Aarnink already sees clear benefits:

• less time spent on document analysis,
• more structure in calculation preparation,
• improved scalability of calculations,
• reduced reliance on hard-to-fill vacancies,
• faster insight into project requirements and standards,
• and a stronger foundation for future AI and BI solutions.

While calculations previously relied heavily on manual work and individual knowledge, a foundation is now being laid for smarter and future-proof operations.

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Continuation

Collaborating on the next step in AI and calculations

In the coming period, Aarnink and Flawless Workflow will explore:

• expansion of AI functionalities,
• further automation of calculation preparation,
• integration with 3E ERP,
• improvement of data quality and data structure,
• and the development of a clear BI and AI roadmap.

Additionally, research is being conducted into how a central Data & AI Platform can help to scalably support future AI solutions.

In this way, Aarnink is gradually building an organization where AI not only accelerates processes but also helps to make growth manageable, predictable, and scalable.