Top 3 Challenges Facing Building Material Leaders in 2025 and How to Solve Them
The building materials industry is navigating a period of significant transformation. In 2025, leaders must address complex challenges, including shifting customer expectations, operational inefficiencies, and the growing need to attract and retain skilled talent. Success will hinge on innovating and adopting solutions that meet these challenges head-on.
At Haystack Technologies, we empower building material companies with cutting-edge AI-driven tools like our customizable digital human technology. As UneeQ highlighted in a recent Telecom Reseller podcast, digital humans excel in creating emotionally intelligent experiences that guide customers through complex decisions with confidence. By integrating InDI into their operations, building material companies can meet rising customer expectations while reducing the burden on their teams.
While InDI is our demonstration persona, each business can design its digital human that reflects its unique brand identity and resonates with its customers. Digital humans, like Haystack’s InDI, are transforming how companies engage with customers by offering lifelike, 24/7 personalized interactions. These AI-powered brand ambassadors ensure customer inquiries are addressed instantly and empathetically, fostering trust and improving satisfaction.
Here are the top three challenges facing building material leaders in 2025—and how to solve them by leveraging Haystack’s innovative solutions.
Challenge 1: Meeting Rising Customer Expectations for Personalization
Modern customers expect more than high-quality products; they want personalized, meaningful interactions that align with their needs and preferences. This expectation can overwhelm businesses with large product catalogs and complex specification processes.
Solution: Customizable Digital Humans to Deliver Tailored Interactions
Haystack’s digital human technology enables companies to create their digital brand ambassador—a fully customizable persona that reflects their values, tone, and visual identity. These digital humans:
Provide Real-Time Recommendations: Engage customers by asking questions, understanding their goals, and offering tailored product suggestions.
Enhance Decision-Making: Simplify complex choices, such as selecting materials or navigating technical specifications, by delivering actionable insights.
Strengthen Brand Identity: Whether your brand is professional, friendly, or innovative, your digital human can embody the tone and style that resonates with your audience.
For example, a flooring company could create “Sophia,” a knowledgeable and approachable digital human who helps contractors and homeowners alike choose the best materials for their projects. Unlike static chatbots, Sophia would engage customers with human-like warmth and expertise, leaving a lasting impression.
Challenge 2: Optimizing Inventory Management
Managing inventory has always been challenging for the building materials industry. In 2025, this challenge will be amplified by global disruptions, changing consumer demand, and the need for more efficient operations.
Solution: AI-Powered Inventory Management with Orbit
Haystack’s Orbit platform revolutionizes how building material companies manage their inventory:
Real-Time Tracking: Monitor sample usage, stock levels, and customer interactions across all locations.
Demand Forecasting: Leverage AI to predict future needs, ensuring that popular products are always in stock and minimizing waste.
Streamlined Operations: Orbit eliminates manual processes, reducing errors and freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
Paired with your digital human, Orbit can create a seamless customer experience. For example, if a contractor visits a showroom and requests a specific product, your digital human can immediately check stock levels, reserve the item, or suggest alternatives—all powered by real-time data from Orbit.
Challenge 3: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
The building materials industry faces high turnover and a limited pool of skilled workers. Companies need innovative ways to attract, train, and retain their teams while ensuring employees are confident and empowered to succeed.
Solution: Digital Humans as Training Partners
Your digital human doesn’t just interact with customers—it can also support your team’s development. By simulating real-world scenarios, your digital human can help employees refine their skills dynamically and engagingly:
Interactive Training: Employees can practice answering customer inquiries, explaining product features, and handling challenges in a low-pressure environment.
Consistent Learning: Whether onboarding a new hire or upskilling a team, your digital human ensures consistent, high-quality training tailored to your business needs.
Confidence Building: With personalized feedback, your employees can gain the knowledge and skills they need to excel, leading to higher retention and better performance.
For instance, imagine a sales team member training with your digital human, “Alex,” who walks them through how to upsell eco-friendly materials or explain the benefits of a high-end product line. This approach makes learning hands-on, scalable, and effective.
Why Your Digital Human is the Key to Success
The key advantage of Haystack’s digital human technology is its customizability. Unlike static personas, your digital human is designed to reflect your brand and can adapt to meet your specific business goals. Whether engaging with customers, optimizing operations, or supporting your team, your digital human becomes a powerful extension of your company.
Looking Ahead: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
While 2025 presents its share of challenges, forward-thinking companies are already turning obstacles into opportunities with innovative tools like digital humans and AI-powered inventory management. Building material leaders can drive growth and future-proof their businesses by addressing customer expectations, streamlining operations, and investing in talent.
Ready to Create Your Digital Brand Ambassador?
At Haystack Technologies, we don’t just offer InDI—we offer the platform to create a digital human that reflects your unique brand identity. Whether you’re looking to boost customer engagement, streamline operations, or support your team, our solutions are designed to help you thrive.
Contact us today for a free demo and discover how Haystack’s digital human technology can solve your biggest challenges in 2025 and beyond.
