Leveling Up: With the New Year Comes Opportunities for Automation
By Eric Thompson and John Ryba
You might say that the story of the the door and window industry in the 21st century has revolved around automation. High-speed lines began proliferating on shop floors around the world at the turn of the millennium, first in Europe and then throughout North America, helping fabricators make consistent, high-quality insulating glass units (IGU) more efficiently and effectively than ever before.
Fast forward 25 years and it’s fair to suggest that automated production technology has reached something of a maturation point in our industry. To be sure, there’s plenty happening on the digital side, especially with the widespread advent of artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, there are a couple of key developments we’re keeping our eyes on.
First, consider a promising insulating glass (IG) technology that has struggled to gain popularity: skinny or thin triples. Lacking an efficient, automated way to make them, they’ve languished as a concept more than they have as a true way for door and window makers to deliver on increasingly stringent energy targets. But, last year, OEM equipment provider Forel debuted an automated skinny triples line at fall trade shows. While I’ve not yet seen a manufacturer adopt the technology at scale, the option and potential are there.
Elsewhere, other North American equipment OEMs have launched increasingly advanced machines that automatically weld sashes, conveying them to a glazing position for silicone and glass to be applied before it is sent to final assembly. Granted, this technology has existed in Europe for a good fifteen years, but the fact that it is gaining traction among some forward-thinking North American OEMs is worth paying attention to.
Preparedness Is Key
No matter the technology, there is always the matter of implementation. Employees will require training on how to best work with the new machinery. Their ability to properly manage your new systems will help maximize quality and production. Meanwhile, your maintenance teams will also need to get up to speed on how to properly maintain your equipment. Indeed, today’s maintenance technicians must be high-skill individuals. That’s something modern manufacturers must account for in their hiring practices.
Elsewhere, new equipment provides a great opportunity for you to evaluate your plant flow and processes. You’ll be able to eliminate touchpoints and reduce the number of personnel on your lines for optimal efficiency. And, if you’re adding capacity, raw materials ordering and fulfillment will need adjusting. You need to keep an open channel with your suppliers as you adjust.
Also, don’t forget to prepare your sales teams for the impact of your new capabilities. They must be armed with the right knowledge to communicate the benefit of your improved product to discerning customers.
Finally, be sure that you’re not neglecting your old equipment in favor of your shiny new machines.
Automated machinery will continue to have an impact on how we make high-quality, high-performance door and window products to satisfy the needs of our customers. It’s up to all of us to apply the technology where it makes sense to have the biggest impact.
Eric Thompson is national account manager for Quanex Corp.
John Ryba is technical services manager for Quanex Corp.
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