Introducing its latest innovation, DigiTrace, Reynaers has added digital passports that travel with its products – allowing fabricators and installers to add in system details to provide a complete overview to support traceability. Here Samantha Hill, head of marketing at Reynaers Aluminium UK, discusses how DigiTrace provides support across the supply chain and throughout the lifetime of a building in line with the need for comprehensive information at all stages of construction.

In the latest addition to its suite of support software solutions Reynaers Aluminium has introduced DigiTrace ‘digital product passports’ across all its systems to allow instant access and complete transparency in relation to performance, material and sustainability information.

Supporting the demand for easy access to sustainability data, and the need to demonstrate clear and accessible product information to support the golden thread, the DigiTrace system is instantly accessible via element-specific QR codes, ticking the box for easy accessibility and remote use. Through DigiTrace, building owners, architects and contractors can share and access in-depth system, technical and performance data for specific products and elements.

Supporting the entire process from manufacturing through to end use, the specially developed software solution is added to products at the manufacturing stage, usually by fabricators, who can then use DigiTrace to share and access information.

Product details and technical information is exported directly from ReynaPro, the company’s calculation, order and production software, while additional certification, documentation and information, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), maintenance guides, warranties and installation guides can be added by stakeholders throughout the product lifetime. The tool can be used by scanning the QR code to share feedback and to flag up any issues.

DigiTrace is the latest online support tool from Reynaers and aims to deliver a seamless software information solution to support its products, and their use, from start to finish. This includes enabling fabricators to add system-specific information, such as the glass and components used to support accurate evaluation of U-values and information to meet sustainability criteria – in addition to clearly identifying the materials used for safety and transparency purposes.

The introduction of the golden thread has shone a spotlight on the need for clear, up to date information, and an integrated software tool that evolves with the product is the clear way to fully accommodate this. Of equal importance is the need to support transparency in meeting sustainability targets and to underpin sustainable building design – this also requires a commitment to providing precise and up-to-date information that is easily accessible.

DigiTrace is an end-to-end product passport system that enables complete transparency from start to finish. Every element is labelled with a unique QR code enabling instant access to online information via a smartphone – making its use universal and easily accessible at every level.

Demonstrating compliance is more than just words – images offer a verifiable and instant means to clearly illustrate competence in the fit and finish. With the ability to upload images and share information with other stakeholders through the platform, DigiTrace supports communication between sites and offices to discuss any issues, as well as between contractors and fabricators. This allows for instant feedback to resolve any queries at the point of installation.

DigiTrace is a real step forward in promoting product circularity and transparency to support the development of safer, more sustainable buildings. Reynaers is committed to supporting the highest standards in the performance of its systems, and from a sustainability point of view. Through the introduction of DigiTrace the company wants to make accessing vital product information as easy as possible.