Material Factors

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Greg Beachim of First Degree Systems gives five reasons why expanding your choice of materials means you should rethink your choice of software.

At one time bi-folding doors were the biggest driver for aluminium sales. Then homeowners started looking at whole-house refurbishments, and systems companies responded by launching new product ranges including windows and lanterns. As a result, what was a sideline, has become, for many fabricators, a major second system alongside the original PVC-U.

 

Window Designer

If this isn’t managed the same way as the rest of the factory, it could end up costing you more than it should. Here are five reasons why I believe Window Designer is best for aluminium window design processing over its alternatives.

 

Cross-sectional drawings

Many PVC-U window fabricators will use the software that is provided free with the aluminium system because it can provide cross-sectional drawings. This is a CAD-based feature designed for architects that has become a requirement for many fabricators buying aluminium products.

Window Designer can now provide cross-sectional drawings via a plug-in module. For those companies that started aluminium production to meet a small requirement in the domestic market, this new module could allow them to enhance their offering.

 

Configurator

Window Designer’s key strength is that it is a configurator, so you can use it for processing PVC-U, aluminium or timber – and there’s no need to manage different software solutions for different product lines.

This approach to window design processing suits those fabricators working in the domestic market, as they don’t have to account for architectural elements such as wind loading and other façade interfaces. It is pre-configured to a business’s needs –  you select the product, you select the style, you select the size and it will give you a price. If that meets your needs, you can then send it straight to manufacture.

The permutations, such as bead or colour options are simply just click and go. In fact, Window Designer is up to five times quicker than software specially designed for aluminium fabrication.

 

Easy upgrades

The Window Designer subscription package is designed so that a fabricator can choose different tiers of functionality, without paying for unused functions. So, a basic package will process window and door designs. As business develops a fabricator can upgrade its subscription package to include other modules, such as Profile Optimiser and Stock Assistant, which help to reduce waste, optimise pricing and manage stock levels that keeps more cash in the business.

 

Colour confidence

Increased demand for aluminium – including foiled profile – can mean more money tied up in stock.

Standard colours are straightforward because you have a good idea of what requirements are going to come through the door. But with non-standard colours, trends change regularly.

Window Designer’s Stock Assistant module not only manages stock holding according to demand, additional modules can build in the cost of potential waste. So, with standard colours you want to make sure your prices are keen, and Window Designer will forecast the required lengths and keep enough stock to be reactive to demand.

 

Cyncly

First Degree Systems is now part of Cyncly, the new international company behind a portfolio of software products. Cyncly’s brands in the fenestration sector include, First Degree Systems, SoftTech, FeneTech and ContractERP. Cyncly’s windows, doors & glass team employs over 250 specialist technicians.

 

Picture: Greg Beachim of First Degree Systems of Cyncly’s First Degree Systems.

www.firstdegreesystems.com

www.cyncly.com

Article written by Brian Shillibeer
22nd February 2024

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