In today’s construction industry, unlocking the full potential of digital transformation isn’t just an option, it’s essential. Doka is leading by example with a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) solution that automates the counting and identification of formwork and scaffolding materials. The technology is already in use at over 50 Doka locations worldwide.
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Doka offers both sales and rental of its formwork, shoring, and scaffolding products. Rental is a particularly attractive option for many concrete contractors because of its efficiency and flexibility. Renting material that can re-enter the supply chain also contributes to a more circular economy where materials are reused rather than replaced. However, the rental model does create time pressure when rented material is returned and needs to be inventoried and made ready for re-deployment.
“The new AI counting tool we are rolling out in our yards automatically identifies and counts material like props, beams, panels, and joists,” says Joe Purtle, Chief Operations Officer of Doka USA. “This helps us to process returns faster, get equipment ready for use more quickly, and plan inventory more accurately.”
“This solution also establishes an efficient process that improves transparency and communication with the contractors that rely on us to meet their formwork and scaffolding needs – often in high-pressure situations and with tight timelines,” he adds.
AI and people working side by side
Until recently, returned rental materials were counted manually, which required a significant amount of time from Doka’s yard-based team members. To improve the process, Doka developed its own AI tool called “AI Counting & Identification” supported by Microsoft’s technology expertise. The workflow is simple: A team member takes a photo of the materials with a mobile device. The AI tool recognizes the product, suggests a count, and once confirmed, records the result along with the image. This creates a clear and reliable digital record.
More than 20 product categories are already supported, including scaffolding components, beams, props, and Framax panels. The system has been used more than 40,000 times, counting over 1.5 million items with an accuracy rate above 98 percent. That reliability is no coincidence. The solution was designed specifically for construction environments and can even recognize soiled or heavily used rental items. This offers a clear advantage over RFID-based systems or off-the-shelf counting apps.
AI as part of a bigger strategy
Although the system is currently used internally at Doka yards, the company sees strong potential for future use directly on construction sites. Live demos and early feedback from bauma 2025 in Munich highlighted where the service could create added value, especially on large-scale projects with high material turnover.
“The new AI counting tool we are rolling out in our yards automatically identifies and counts material like props, beams, panels, and joists,” says Joe Purtle, Chief Operations Officer of Doka USA. “This helps us to process returns faster, get equipment ready for use more quickly, and plan inventory more accurately.”
“This solution also establishes an efficient process that improves transparency and communication with the contractors that rely on us to meet their formwork and scaffolding needs – often in high-pressure situations and with tight timelines,” he adds.
AI and people working side by side
Until recently, returned rental materials were counted manually, which required a significant amount of time from Doka’s yard-based team members. To improve the process, Doka developed its own AI tool called “AI Counting & Identification” supported by Microsoft’s technology expertise. The workflow is simple: A team member takes a photo of the materials with a mobile device. The AI tool recognizes the product, suggests a count, and once confirmed, records the result along with the image. This creates a clear and reliable digital record.
More than 20 product categories are already supported, including scaffolding components, beams, props, and Framax panels. The system has been used more than 40,000 times, counting over 1.5 million items with an accuracy rate above 98 percent. That reliability is no coincidence. The solution was designed specifically for construction environments and can even recognize soiled or heavily used rental items. This offers a clear advantage over RFID-based systems or off-the-shelf counting apps.
AI as part of a bigger strategy
Although the system is currently used internally at Doka yards, the company sees strong potential for future use directly on construction sites. Live demos and early feedback from bauma 2025 in Munich highlighted where the service could create added value, especially on large-scale projects with high material turnover.
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