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A NEW ISSUE OF COUNTERTOPS & ARCHITECTURAL SURFACES IS OUT NOW! |
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The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) releases a quarterly magazine in support of the decorative surfacing industry. Find out all the latest industry news, educational opportunities, material trends and business developments that elevate and perpetuate the industry.
In this issue, we're recognizing that the most successful fabricators and manufacturers aren't satisfied with the status quo. They know that there's always Room for Improvement.
To keep your business running at top speed, it's time to harness the power of digital innovations that increase productivity and foster growth. From new software that can streamline efficiency and mitigate risk to marketing budgets and strategies that can bring in new clients to solutions that can close sales faster, this issue is packed with helpful insights that support new opportunities.
As always, C&AS aims to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. |
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SUCCESSFUL SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION STARTS HERE |
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By Katherine Gifford
It’s the digital age; there’s no doubt about that. And while many folks prefer the tried and true analog ways of doing things, software is one of the newest tools of the trade that can take your fabrication operation to the next level of speed, efficiency and accuracy. So, when you finally decide to make the digital leap, where do you start? |
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Implementing software is like adding a new piece of machinery to your shop. It’s not something you can just plunk down on the shop floor and expect everyone to understand how to use. It takes time, energy and planning to ensure your new software solutions work to their fullest potential.
Before you hit that “schedule a demo” button on any countertop fabrication digital solution, it’s essential to think about how to implement software into your workflow to make the most out of your investment.
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SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY:
SMART SOLUTIONS FOR SURFACE FABRICATORS |
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By Sarah Peiper
By investing in tech for your business, you can streamline processes, increase productivity, monitor inventory, track jobs, review metrics and more — all of which lead to better margins.
These software solutions are designed for today's fabricators.
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PROFIT: AN UNAVOIDABLE SIDE EFFECT OF
MEASURING YOUR BUSINESS |
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By Tim Saddoris
In my early 20s, I was a supervisor for ConAgra Foods. We made Snack Pack pudding. One thing I’ll never forget is the sweet smell of chocolate and vanilla puddings. But besides learning how to make pudding, I learned a lesson that would change the way I worked: Measuring your business makes you more productive and profitable.
At ConAgra, we ran three shifts per day, seven days per week, operating a multimillion-dollar piece of equipment.
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The production line stretched nearly two miles from the pudding mix until the product was cooked, cooled, packaged and wrapped for palletization.
We were the worst performing plant in the company, so they brought in a new plant manager to turn it around. Barry Fischetto was our third plant manager in a couple of years. In manufacturing, efficiency measures how much wasted time, resources and work you put into creating a finished product. Barry did something no previous manager had done before. While we had always measured overall efficiency, he started measuring it on an individual basis. This gave each person responsibility for their area and recognition, which encouraged improvement.
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SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS: FABRICATING A DIFFERENCE |
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By Paul “Max” Le Pera and Jessica McNaughton
In the last issue, we further set the foundation of holistic sustainability by focusing on industrial definitions that are rapidly emerging, namely Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and its criteria for businesses. Regardless of perspective, using conscious choice aligned with personal values and motivations to groom one’s company toward evolving investment strategies — sustainability managed — is not an expense; it is an investment that can yield a return.
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Let’s look at some ways fabricators can begin the path toward ESG and break it down into achievable action items.
A study by McKinsey & Company1 shows that ESG links to cash flow in five ways:
- Reduce costs
- Regulate compliance
- Facilitate top-line growth
- Optimize investment and capital expenditures
- Increase employee productivity
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Using these five pillars, fabricators can implement ESG according to their goals, budget and timelines. These pillars give structure to how leadership can focus efforts and whose actions are aligned with the efficacy of their sustainability journey.
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Simplyceram: Striving To Be a Perfect Countertop
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Simply Systems, pioneers of revolutionary countertop surfaces, proudly introduce their latest innovation, Simplyceram, to the US market.
Simplyceram is the first of its kind – an “advanced HPL” porcelain laminated countertop surface. “Our goal was to create the perfect countertop and we believe Simplyceram is just that,” states Helder L., global sales director of Simply Systems.
It has the high-quality, luxurious look and feel of stone combined with the lasting durability of porcelain. In addition, it’s also incredibly lightweight, ruling Simplyceram as the lightest, fastest and easiest to install, ultra-resistant countertop surface, you can install in one hour with simple woodworking tools.
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“We understand the appeal of porcelain for its sleek luster and powerful performance properties, however, it loses to traditional alternatives for its challenging and usually costly transformation and installation process. On the other end, though very practical and accessible, traditional laminated countertops cannot come close in terms of resistance” adds Helder.
Simplyceram demystifies the installation process by combining high-quality, light-weight and easy-to-handle materials with a simple-to-follow guided process that even nonprofessionals can execute. Installation is fast and easy requiring only one to two people, saving time, labor and logistical costs. It also boasts all of the ultra-resistances of porcelain: resistence to high temperatures, water, scratches, stains, and overall wear and tear. Its surface is 100% waterproof, so it will not warp or swell. Liquids such as wine, coffee, or citric juices as well as any bacteria or mold will not stain nor penetrate due to its nonporous characteristics, and it is NSF certified, which allows for safe food prep directly on the surface. Simplyceram is also extremely easy to clean and due to its fade-proof qualities, will preserve its original beauty.
Simplyceram´s versatile range of color options accommodates both transitional and contemporary styles, from the ever-popular Ultra White to the nature-inspired marble of Carrara Gold and Emperador Light to multiple Limestone hues.
Countertops are available in multiple sizes and thicknesses with island and backsplash options ready to install.
Simply System’s mission is to consistently produce high-quality products that provide ultimate durability and minimize the necessity to replace your countertop surface. The numerous advantages of this innovative product result in an extremely cost-effective, extremely durable, high-design surface.
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SolidSurface.com Eco-Friendly Approach Helps Customers Find Great Discounts on Discontinued and Overstock Materials |
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SolidSurface.com, is an online supplier and outlet of solid surface sheet material and accessories, that takes an eco-friendly approach to distribution by selling discontinued and overstock material. Focused offerings include their Corian and Wilsonart outlets, as well as access to in-production lines from Corian, LX HIMACS, Avonite, Staron, Formica, Meganite, Hanex and more.
Offering an alternative solution to the landfill, SolidSurface.com’s marketplace provides manufacturers an outlet for discontinued & overstock designs, and a remnants purchase program for fabricators. More than 60,000 visitors a month are exposed to this diverse and expansive collection of quality material.
Additional products are available including color-matched adhesives, tooling and sinks.
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BACA Systems Hires Account Executives to Lead Business Development, Manage Customer Relationships in Five States |
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BACA Systems announced that the company has hired two professionals to lead business development and manage customer relationships in several states. Karson Cullimore and Nick Ens have recently joined the company as Regional Territory Managers. Cullimore is based in American Fork, Utah, and is responsible for Arizona, Idaho and Utah. Ens is based in Beaumont, Calif., and is responsible for Southern California and Nevada. Both Cullimore and Ens report to BACA Systems Chief Revenue Officer Tim Burke.
LEARN MORE ...
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ENJOY SOME SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT THE NEXT ISFA INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE EVENT
ISFA Industry Roundtable events are powerful opportunities for fabricators to come together to network, discuss the latest industry innovations, learn business development techniques, and tour state-of-the-art fabrication facilities.
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about new materials, new fabrication techniques, business practice strategies and more while engaging in meaningful dialog with industry peers!
HERE'S THE PLAN
This event will start with a welcome dinner at Calhoun's, home to some of Tennessee's best award-winning barbecue.
Day two includes a full schedule of roundtable discussions and networking opportunities, hosted by your friends at BB Industries. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Knoxville's Market Square for great historical sights, shopping and dining. Or,
immerse yourself in the city's booming craft beer scene and
hop on the Knoxville Ale Trail.
Day three includes a field trip to Crossville's porcelain tile manufacturing center with additional discussions and presentations, as well as lunch.
This event is open to all fabricators, including nonmembers!
Registration starts at just $199, which includes all programming, shuttle services and meals. Space is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible.
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Planning your next industry event or fundraiser? Let us know and we'll help you get the word out! |
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