Managing director of Reynaers Aluminium UK, Richard Hall, explains how harnessing the benefits of greater digitalisation is allowing Reynaers Aluminium UK to deliver comprehensive, easily accessible information to support its sustainability policy as well as pushing the boundaries of functionality – and streamlining customer services.
Ultimately, the aim of incorporating new technology into Reynaers products is to constantly improve our systems, simplify installation and ordering, and support sustainability.
A key part of our digitalisation programme is the use of technology to cut the carbon footprint of our products and the buildings they are used in.
Digital passports
An important part of our sustainability strategy will be the inclusion of digital passports across all products, where environmental qualities are clearly set out.
This will include materials used, thermal properties and end of life instructions to allow materials to be used again. The introduction of digital passports for all products will enable Reynaers to update information to detail any changes. Reynaers aims for all products to have digital passports by 2024.
Within Building Information Modelling software, the information on digital passports will allow architects and specifiers to make informed decisions in relation to sustainable building design, which could support projects aiming for Passive House or BREEAM certification.
Digital passports will simplify processes for contractors, installers and fabricators by linking to product information. This will be supported by Reynaers’ product catalogues being moved to a digital platform, ensuring fabricators have the latest version to hand.
This digital offering will directly benefit projects where our products are used, with comprehensive information, 3D imagery and installation videos being available in one online location. The use of a digital catalogue will enable us to add updates and lift out essential information to make life easier for installers and fabricators.
Smart building technology
At the heart of the drive towards greater digitalisation is being able to provide added value. One area is the development of smart building technology.
Automated systems can improve the living and working environment of people everywhere; simplifying processes to cut time, enhance security, and add functionality.
This can already be seen in Reynaers products where access control has been added through electric door locking devices and the motorisation of sliding doors. By electrifying products, smart functions can be added to meet project specifications.
Product development to support easier installation of electrical systems has seen the addition of magnetic contacts that can easily be removed to allow access to wiring, making maintenance cheaper and simplifying wiring systems.
Connecting with customers
At Reynaers, the customer is at the heart of everything we do, and digitalisation supports this by improving efficiencies, processes, and the customer experience.
Reynaers offers a range of digital professional services to help partners grow their business by streamlining processes and boosting sales. These include a customer portal that links to a download centre containing technical information and that also allows deliveries to be tracked.
Accurate pricing is offered by ReynaPro, which also generates order lists, a production schedule and assembly instructions – and links to an electronic ordering system to make the process as efficient as possible. In addition, the cloud based ReynaQuote system, now allows sales representatives to offer real-time quotes while in the field.
Building digitalisation into processes and products is key to Reynaers commitment to continue to add value to the customer while meeting targets to reduce carbon emissions.
