Efficient and low cost: how SMEs can also use drone technology

Until relatively recently, many Belgian entrepreneurs believed a persistent myth: commercial drone operations were reserved for industrial giants or port authorities with enormous budgets. The prevailing belief was that you needed tens of thousands of euros in equipment and demanding pilot licenses to get started.

We believe that era is over. Today, a combination of harmonized European regulations, affordable "prosumer" hardware, and smart software has democratized aviation.

For Belgian SMEs – from roofers in Flanders to property managers in Brussels – deploying aerial intelligence is no longer a distant prospect. It's a modern-day necessity that can be achieved without major investments.

Here's a vision of how SMEs can save time, reduce risks and increase efficiency with drone technology.

1. The mentality switch: from gadget to data

The first step is to realize that the value lies not in the drone itself, but in the data workflow. The drone is merely a flying tripod for your sensor.

Your competitive advantage comes from how efficiently you collect and process that data. For a facility manager, this means replacing expensive shelving with a 15-minute flight. For a contractor, it means creating quotes with surgical precision.

By moving away from an "all-in-one" investment model to a modular approach, you can generate new revenue streams in a competitive market.

2. Navigating the regulations: easier than you think

The complexity of aviation legislation used to be a major barrier. Thanks to the European EASA framework, this has changed with the introduction of the "Open" category. This category is specifically designed for low-risk commercial operations without complex permitting requirements.

The strategic advantage of <250 grams

For businesses in urban environments, subcategory A1 is your best friend.

• The Hardware: Drones under 250 grams (such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro).

• The Freedom: You can even briefly fly over uninvolved people (but not crowds), which is crucial on densely built-up streets.

• The advantage: No difficult exams. Officially, reading the manual is sufficient, although we always recommend basic training.

Moreover, Belgium is a leader in terms of costs: while neighboring countries charge a fee for registration, registration as a UAS operator with the Belgian Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGLV) is completely free.

3. Some practical examples: the Drone in the workplace

This is where drones really make a difference. We're specifically looking at how contractors and building owners are revolutionizing their work processes.

Scenario A: The contractor and roofer

No more guesswork and dangerous ladders.

Imagine: you need to make a quote for the renovation of a complex roof or facade.

• The old way: You drive to the site, place a ladder against the facade, climb up (with all the associated risks), and try to estimate the surface area with a tape measure and notebook. Often, you order 10% too much material just to be safe.

• The drone method: You arrive, launch your drone (e.g., a Mavic 3 Enterprise), and fly an automatic grid pattern over the building. In 15 minutes, you'll have hundreds of photos.

• The result:

  • Accurate measurements: Software converts photos into a 3D model. Click on the roof surface and you'll see exactly: 142.5 m². Order roof tiles and insulation to the nearest square meter. No waste, more competitive prices.

  • Safety: You do not need to go onto the roof for the inspection, which benefits your VCA compliance.

  • Cleaning (Softwash): Some contractors go even further and use specialized drones to clean roofs and facades (softwash) without the need for scaffolding. A two-day job is reduced to two hours.

Scenario B: The Building Owner and Facility Manager

Preventive maintenance and energy efficiency.

For owners of large properties or syndics, managing the "outer shell" is often an expensive, reactive matter.

• The problem: You only notice a leak when water gets in, or you don't know which solar panels are defective until the final bill is disappointing.

• The solution: Periodic inspections with a thermal drone (such as the Mavic 3 Thermal).

• The application:

  • Thermal scan: Fly over your flat roofs in the morning or on a cold day. The thermal camera detects temperature differences that indicate wet insulation under the roof covering or heat loss through the facade. You address the leak before it drips through the ceiling.

  • Solar panels: A thermal drone scans an entire solar farm in minutes. Defective cells (hotspots) light up brightly in the image. You direct your technician directly to panel row 4, number 12, instead of having to measure everything.

  • Digital Logbook: By flying annually, you build a history. You can compare the building's condition in 2023 with 2025 to spot degradation early.

4. Hardware & Software: choose wisely

You don't have to spend tens of thousands of euros.

• Start small: A DJI Mini 5 Pro (around €1,100) is perfect for visual inspections and marketing images.

• Go professional: A Mavic 3 Enterprise (approx. €3,800) is the standard for surveying and accurate 3D modeling.

• Software: Avoid expensive monthly subscriptions when you're just starting out. Tools like WebODM (Open Source) allow you to process maps on your own computer for free. Or use "pay-per-use" platforms where you pay a small fee per project.

5. Let the government contribute

To truly make adoption possible, you must take advantage of Belgian subsidies. The government wants you to digitize.

• Flanders (SME portfolio): You will receive a 20% to 30% subsidy on training (such as your drone certificate) and advice (for example, a consultant who sets up your workflow).

• Wallonia (Chèques-Entreprises): Offers vouchers for digital audits, with subsidies of up to 75%.

• Brussels: Awards digitalization grants for the implementation of new technologies in your business processes.

Conclusion: The sky is no longer the limit

The barriers to entry have never been lower. The combination of simplified regulations, regional subsidies, and affordable hardware has created a "Golden Age" for Belgian SMEs.

Whether you are a contractor who wants to work more safely and precisely, or a building manager who wants to save on maintenance costs: the technology is ready.