Could you briefly introduce your company: date of creation, location, number of employees, activities, growth, key dates, and figures?

Cadwork 04 is the Work4cad group subsidiary responsible for the distribution and support of Cadwork software in Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Founded in 2014 and based in Châtel-Saint-Denis, Switzerland, our team comprises 40 employees and manages over 3,500 active clients. Our mission is simple: to provide distribution, training, and multilingual technical support that is perfectly adapted to the standards and culture of each region. We rely on Cadwork technology, the leading 3D CAD/CAM solution for timber construction for over thirty years. Our philosophy is to offer complete modeling freedom, BIM (IFC) compatibility, and integration with productivity tools (DeepNode, OptiPanneau). It is this local expertise, backed by global technology, that supports the growth of the group (70 people internationally).

What solutions have you deployed for woodworking specialists in recent years? What types of professionals do they target?

We target the entire sector: carpenters, timber frame builders, and joiners. Our work is not limited to basic CAD/CAM. We are also constantly developing various tools designed to automate, simplify, and improve accuracy, while respecting the specific needs of the French market. There are several examples of recent developments.

DeepNode: our no-code tool that allows users to create their own custom automation scripts without coding.
JTC: an ergonomic drawing module designed specifically for layout and complex joinery projects.
OptiPanels: advanced cutting optimization (CLT, interior and cladding panels) for material and time savings.
C-CAM: the link between design and the workshop's CNC machine for a simplified workflow.
C-Faster: calculation and dimensioning of wood and metal structures (developed with our partner Acord).
OptiCargo: an essential logistics solution that optimizes truck loading order and volume.

How is your business performing in the wood sector in the French market today?

At Cadwork 04, we are 100% focused on the wood industry. This allows us to offer expertise that our clients can't find anywhere else. Despite a challenging economic climate marked by a decline in new construction starts, our business has demonstrated resilience and dynamism:

We continue to support new companies as they make the leap into digitalization.
Our existing clients continue to invest in training to optimize their processes.

Training is a crucial part of our strategy (initial, advanced, and webinars) to ensure rapid adoption. We are continuing to develop innovative features to improve productivity and BIM and CNC interoperability. Our goal for 2025 is to strengthen this momentum by offering even smarter and more automated tools.

How did 2024 go?

2024 was a year of growth, focused on our users and product innovation. Our strategy was simple: intensify support and enhance our software.

Customer support was paramount, with numerous training sessions and webinars to foster skills development within our teams.
We saw growth in our customer base, with new companies adopting our software and existing teams being strengthened.

We launched key modules on layout, no-code programming, and material optimization. Our debut at Eurobois 2024 was excellent and confirmed our leading position in software solutions for timber construction.

What are your forecasts for 2025?

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. We are aiming for continued growth by helping the timber industry adapt to future challenges.

New software version: We will be releasing an enhanced version, including advanced features, but without sacrificing accessibility.
Enhanced digitization: Point cloud and automated measurement will become essential. Our solutions will maximize interoperability with scanning technologies.
Automation: We will continue to integrate more intelligent and intuitive features to guarantee maximum productivity. Our vision is to offer software that anticipates needs to increase our customers' competitiveness.

What new products have you launched in recent months? Can you tell us about them? And what are the benefits of these new features?

We have focused our efforts on solutions that address the challenges of precision, compliance, and productivity.

ATAC: Developed in conjunction with the FCBA timber construction catalog, this module enables the automatic filling of timber-framed walls. It guarantees compliance with regulatory and technical requirements (thermal, fire, acoustic) and greatly simplifies the design process. It was highly anticipated at the previous Eurobois trade show, and we have further developed it to offer a solution tailored to market needs. Its official launch is scheduled for Eurobois 2026.
We have also significantly developed JTC (for joinery), DEEPNODE (no-code programming), OptiPanneaux (material optimization), and C-Faster (sizing). The key benefits are threefold: time savings through automation, increased precision via 3D scan management, and a complete digital chain from design (BIM) to manufacturing (CNC).

"At Cadwork 04, we are 100% focused on the wood industry."

What do woodworking professionals look for today when investing in software: ease of use, performance, price, and speed of execution?

They no longer want just a drawing tool, but a comprehensive solution with immediate profitability. Several key criteria are essential.

Performance and reliability: 3D/BIM compatibility and error-free control of CNC machines.
Speed of execution: tools capable of generating plans and optimizations in just a few clicks.
Ease of use: an intuitive interface to reduce training and accelerate onboarding.
Intelligent automation: features that minimize repetitive tasks and detect inconsistencies.
Comprehensive support, personalized training, and educational resources are also crucial factors.

How does the design process for new software work? After BIM and 3D, do you plan to leverage AI in your future developments?

Our design process is always user-centric: we analyze the real needs of professionals in the field and test each feature under real-world conditions before integrating it, all while ensuring BIM compatibility. Regarding AI, we are actively exploring its potential.

User assistance: to provide real-time recommendations that optimize modeling and technical choices.
Task automation: to reduce the time spent on repetitive operations (for example, automatic inconsistency detection). AI is seen as a lever to make our tools even more powerful and intuitive.

Regarding measurements, are partnerships with specialized applications that automatically take them being considered?

Yes, interoperability with measurement tools is strategic. It's fundamental to guaranteeing accuracy and speed, from the construction site to the design phase. We ensure this connectivity through various means.

Group synergy: we work closely with Capture4Cad to ensure a complete chain, from automated measurement to 3D modeling.
Extensive compatibility: our software is designed to integrate point clouds and total station data from major market partners, such as Leica.

How does the onboarding process work for your solutions? Do you offer specific support to your clients? In what form?

We provide comprehensive support for a quick onboarding and successful project implementation.

Initial training: delivered at our centers, directly on-site at your company, or online for all new clients.
Advanced sessions: for those looking to refine their skills on specific topics (BIM, CNC, etc.).
Technical support: a responsive team is available to answer everyday questions.
A User Club: a key event to discover new features in each version and exchange ideas with our experts and the community.

In addition to your professional users, do you have partnerships with schools or training centers to raise awareness of your products among a different audience?

Absolutely. Preparing the next generation is essential. We work with numerous training centers to integrate our solutions into their curricula. We provide student versions similar to those used in businesses, so that students can learn in real-world conditions. We organize User Clubs in schools whenever possible. This strategy strengthens the digitalization of professions and ensures a smooth transition for students into the job market with sought-after expertise.

How do you see the future of your group over the next five years in terms of investment, R&D, and product development for professionals in the wood industry?

Over the next five years, our ambition is to remain the essential partner.

R&D: We will increase our investments to explore artificial intelligence and automation in order to simplify the user's daily work.
Product development: Our software will continue to adapt to trends (advanced BIM modeling, CNC optimization, point cloud management).
Customer support: Training, support, and User Clubs will remain central to supporting our customers over the long term.

Our vision is to offer intelligent and accessible wood software that makes a tangible contribution to the productivity and competitiveness of the industry.

Would you like to add anything final?

We invite all professionals in the wood industry to come and meet us, particularly at Eurobois, to discover how our solutions can support their digitalization and performance. At Cadwork 04, we are convinced that the future of wood construction lies in smart tools, continuous training, and a relationship of trust with our clients.

Photo credits: Cadwork

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