Professional Associations: Why Your Contractor Members Need Automation Training

Author: Manoj Puthenveetil
July 15, 2025 - 7 MIN. READ

Key takeaways:

• Building managers and homeowners increasingly embrace automated systems to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
• Automation projects and electrification often go hand-in-hand, supporting goals like better building energy management.
• There is an automation skills gap, but professional organizations can help contractors develop the right skills for these opportunities.

Have you ever walked into a building where the ventilation kicks in as soon as the air gets stuffy, or the heating adjusts when the sun starts blazing? That's not the future; it's already happening, thanks to home and building automation.

There's a real opportunity for contractors who can wire up and configure these systems. The challenge is that many people in the trade haven't been exposed to automation yet, and the tech side can feel like a barrier.

That's where industry groups can play a role by shining a light on the shift and helping their members get the training they need to stay relevant.

The Smart Buildings of Tomorrow

Automated systems for homes and buildings rely on the IoT, a technology that dates back to the 1990s when computer scientists developed the concept of connected objects. Initially, the tech allowed logistics pros to track products through their supply chain.

They also incorporate more modern tech, such as:

• AI for predictive analytics and deep insights.
• Edge computing processor to support real-time decisions.
• 5G networks for instant communication between devices.
• Advanced sensor tech, like LiDAR and computer vision systems.
• Digital twin modeling to optimize smart automated systems.

As automation solutions get more performing and accessible, more use cases are emerging for modern buildings:

• These systems can monitor energy and water usage, and the building system
• Automated solutions improve security systems with motion sensors and smart cameras.
• Smart fire alarms can monitor heat, smoke, and flames.
• Access controls are evolving, with smart solutions controlling access to some parts of a building or recording access logs.
• Some systems can track and optimize performance in buildings powered by renewable energy sources. Sensors can measure sun exposure and signal to adjust a solar panel's tilt to maximize output.
• Smart parking management with space availability tracking is another innovative use case, along with smart meeting room booking based on occupancy or even automated maintenance alerts for key systems.
• Advanced maintenance systems that allow for preventive maintenance and automate routine inspections.

The Link Between Automation and Electrification

Electrification is also a common goal for building owners investing in automation solutions.

Here's why:

• The automation solutions mentioned above need modern electrical and networking infrastructures, and the systems they control must also be recent enough to allow for automation.
• Home and building automation are part of a broader trend encompassing energy management and occupant well-being. These same concerns are pushing building owners and managers to pursue electrification.
• Electrification is a major investment, and smart, automated systems can help cut energy usage and costs, which boosts ROI for building upgrades.

How Big Is the Automation Market?

How many building owners and managers are looking into automation? In the U.S., building automation is a massive market with a 25% annual growth rate and a projected value of more than $129 billion by 2030.

Growth is happening because the tech is improving, and AI is making new use cases possible. Building managers are also paying close attention to costs, and with retrofitting projects on the rise, it often makes sense to integrate automation solutions into other upgrades.

Plus, building owners are increasingly focusing on maintenance, due to new regulations in that area and insurers offering discounts for advanced maintenance plans.

Building electrification isn't the only trend pushing managers toward automation. Several other sectors are embracing this technology, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and even the residential market with smart devices like connected lights and thermostats.

Electrical Contractors Have an Automation Skills Gap

The home and building automation market is growing fast, but it's also a highly specialized sector, and electrical contractors need to upskill to integrate modern technology into electrification jobs.

Their electrical and Operations Technology skills are a solid foundation, but they'll need to develop a few IT skills:

• Learning more about automation concepts, including sensors, connectivity, and data processing, is a good starting point.
• Programming should be an area of focus since contractors must configure automations based on what sensors capture.
• Because many automated solutions share data over networks, developing expertise in network design is crucial.
• A basic understanding of cybersecurity will also be useful since securing the data shared by sensors is a key requirement for successful automation applications.
• Being comfortable with data analytics opens up more possibilities in remote monitoring and preventive maintenance powered by automated systems.
• AI skills can help uncover innovative use cases for automation solutions and prepare contractors for the future of this market.
• Project management is also a plus since automation is often part of broader electrification projects.

Help Your Members Keep Up With Electrical Industry Trends

As a professional organization, you can create value for your members by discussing these opportunities.

Training is a necessity for members with an interest in this market. Look into collaborating with OEMs to develop product-specific training and resources and guide your members toward these resources:

• The Cloud Credential Council IoT Foundation Certification is a great starting point for learning about IoT architecture.
• Cisco has a collection of learning videos about the IoT and automation.

• The Smart Buildings Academy offers several courses, ranging from building automation basics to more advanced topics.

• For HVAC contractors, the HVACR Learning Network has a comprehensive online course about automated solutions.
• The Electricity Forum has a similar course designed for electricians.
• IBM's SkillsBuild platform has interesting courses for learning more about AI and data analytics.

Help Your Member Build a Future-Proof Supply Chain With Raiven

The rise of automation is a sign of changing priorities for building owners and managers. It creates opportunities for electrical contractors, but it also means upskilling and specializing.

To prepare for this future, your members also need business processes that connect them to innovative suppliers.

It's where Raiven can help. As a leading digital supply chain network for the trades, we work hard to connect contractors to a wide range of high-quality supplies, including specialized products. We also offer buying features that make these supplies easy to research and order.

Between the savings and the convenient procurement process, a Raiven membership can be a differentiator as your members explore the latest electrical industry trends.

Raiven is on a mission to transform buying for the trades. Our innovative platform connects contractors, enterprises, and suppliers into a digital supply chain network.

The goal is to simplify sourcing, reduce costs, and unlock operational efficiency. As a result, new business opportunities will become available, and your members will be able to scale faster.

As Raiven members, contractors get access to:

• Our procurement platform. Manage vendors and accounts with one convenient digital tool.
• Price tracking. Always find the best prices on the supplies you need.
• Exclusive cost savings. Raiven pre-negotiates prices, cutting your costs by 10 to 15%.
• A thriving community. Join a fast-growing group of 2,500+ contractors ready to innovate.

Visit Raiven to learn more about helping your members future-proof their supply chain.