Door Industry Journal - Summer 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 67 THE door industry journal summer 2014 RapidSpec process enquiries automatically. It may also help with improving success rates as clients can see the product as an architectural drawing, something that computerised systems do not seem to be as good at since the success rates for companies was marginally lower”, observed Derek Brown CEO of Rapid Spec. Overall the success rate for business was around 30% with those using spreadsheets and calculators only having a success rate of 32% compared to 28% amongst those who used automated systems. Meaning the cost of responding to a successful enquiry was £1,336 for those using excel or pen and paper compared to £1,035 for those using computerised systems. This in effect meant that door manufacturers using not automated systems had to add a premium of 2.6% on to the order to cover this cost compared to 2.1% for those who had a computerised system. Although the difference is fairly small it does mean that, based on the industry values calculated by AMA research, a fully automated industry would be able to meet the growth in orders through productivity gains alone without having to worry about additional labour costs. In an industry where price is crucial and manufacturers are using hedging strategies and outsourcing back office functions to stay competitive it is likely that this will have to change. Overall 56% felt that the industry would change in terms of estimating and processing in the next 5 years with many seeing adoption of systems like RapidSpec or bespoke software being the main change. “The feeling was that customers, despite spending large amounts on doors, particularly fire doors, were uninterested in the details. In fact many estimators queried the assumption on the hypothetical enquiry that all the information would be there as it was somewhat of a rarity!” explained Thomas Parry, the researcher responsible for the report. Overall manufacturers felt that clients would drive the market with costs being tight and that they would be required to provide more advice and support to ensure compliance. Visualisation of the door and its features through architectural drawing are also seen as being required more frequently. The cost of providing extra support would however be almost entirely met by the manufacturer, meaning that to retain the same level of profits they would have to risk raising prices or become more productive. “Productivity starts by measurement as you can’t improve or manage what you cannot see. This report shows that a small increase in improving productivity can have a considerable impact”, concludes Derek Brown. Full report available The complete report as provided to RapidSpec is available to everyone in the industry by emailing info@rapidspec.co.uk . The report has already been sent out to those who supported this research. More information and how the software evolved Database Design (UK) Ltd was formed in early 2002 to produce bespoke office administration and automation software. RapidSpec is their product for door manufacturing and took 5 years to develop. It is the first software of its kind ever produced for this industry to produce door schedules. The operator uses multiple choice and Yes/No questions together with the required dimensions to enter information into the onscreen form. The program AUTOMATICALLY produces a door schedule document with detailed, scaled and dimensioned drawings. From this information the program produces bills of materials and cutting lists. Effectively eliminating errors and processing time completely. Video Demo You can watch a variety of software demonstration videos on www.youtube.com by searching for RapidSpec, alternatively visit www.rapidspec.co.uk doorsets feature “Administrators now handle orders while our sales team look after customers. Our increase in productivity in the office was 24% in April/May and we have reduced lead times by one week. Savings in administration alone this year are expected to be in the region of £50,000” Mike Jewitt, Sales Manager at Doors, Cubicles & Boards (Leeds) Ltd