Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, explores a suite of software solutions that have been developed by Reynears UK to enhance efficiency and optimise day to day operations for fabricators, architects and specifiers.

In an increasingly challenging economic climate that is pushing operating costs up for business, while simultaneously eroding consumer confidence, it has never been more important for fabricators to look at ways in which to streamline and optimise efficiency.

For Reynears UK customers, those efficiencies can be found in a suite of advanced digital platforms that have been designed specifically to make the process of configuring, quoting and ordering Reynears products far easier, while reducing the margin for error and improving the accuracy of technical specification.

ReynaPro
First up is ReynaPro, a powerful design and configuration platform that has been developed to help fabricators with the processs of configuring, detailing and quoting Reynaers’ complete product portfolio, including windows, doors, facades and sliding systems.
Key features include:
• System configuration – select and configure the right Reynaers system for any project.
• Technical detailing – generate accurate technical drawings and details.
• Quoting & ordering – create quotations and precise cutting lists directly from the design. Links directly to Reynaers EOS system.
• Product data integration – always up-to-date with the latest product range.
• Time-saving workflows – reduces manual errors and speeds up fabrication.
• CNC Module – Establishes a digital connection to CNC production machinery, enabling Industry 4.0 integration and smart manufacturing capabilities.

With regulatory change on the horizon, a standout feature for ReynaPro is the ability for users to have visibility of thermal values and carbon data at design stage. Projects can be amended, for example with different glass, profile and spacer bar specifications and the system will automatically calculate and present the data in real time.

It can also work out whether frames need more reinforcement and will flag up potential issues with the specification, including for projects that may require additional consideration for wind loading or deflection depending on their geographical location.

For example, a large bi-fold installation that would look fantastic in London, might not work in a more exposed location in Scotland which could be subjected to much higher wind speeds.

As Reynaers UK technical director, John McComb, explains, ReynaPro’s ability to pick up on issues like this and similar considerations early on, greatly reduces the risk of errors, improves accuracy, saves valuable time – and ultimately – optimises valuable project margins for fabricators.

He also points out that the ability to design and quote projects in such detail now, gives Reynaers customers a keen advantage for regulatory change that is coming down the line.

“This much detail will be required for new build, where there will be a much greater focus on providing thermal calculations – and potentially, we could see similar requirements for the replacement market in the future as well,” he says. “ReynaPro ensures a very high level of accuracy and traceability on specification, and once the specification is finalised, you can send it straight to production – there’s no need to replicate the data.

“While it is ultimately the fabricator’s responsibility to ensure the specification is correct for each project, we are committed to supporting our customers any way we can,” continues John.

“That’s why we have designed ReynaPro to minimise errors, maximise efficiency and why it is compatible with a range of different production software on the factory floor.”

Another advantage of ReynaPro is that it also links directly to another piece of Reynaers software, and that’s DocuPortal – a fully digitised product catalogue for all of Reynaers’ aluminium systems.

Docu Portal
The Docu Portal platform gives users fast and easy access to the full library of Reynaers’ technical and commercial documents, serving as a central hub for all product related resources.

Available to customers and stakeholders via the Reynaers Customer Portal it offers the following key functions:
• Technical documentation – system catalogues, installation guides and fabrication instructions.
• Product passports – performance data and CE marking for all systems.
• Certificates and test reports – all in one place and always updated.
• BIM files and CAD drawings – ready for immediate use in design workflows.

For fabricators and architects, accessing technical specs, installation details and system data is made much easier with Docu Portal and users are working on a project in ReynaPro for example, they can instantly link through to get more valuable information on products within that specification, including prep options or structural information, as well as alternative solutions.

“There’s a generation of customers that will always prefer a traditional paper manual, and while these have served the industry well in the past, Docu Portal introduces a much easier, more integrated and more efficient way of referring to product information,” says John.

“From a sustainability perspective, customers can transition to a paperless office, but it’s also much faster to find the information required and perhaps more importantly, the data base is always being updated, so you will always have the latest, accurate data to hand.”

Fabricators that do take advantage of Docu Portal can focus on the products they use most, they can create personalised load-outs and catalogues which they can print out if they wish. They can also use an advanced search engine and they are notified if there are any product updates.

It means they can work more efficiently but crucially, it means they are far better equipped to demonstrate traceability, another important consideration that is particularly relevant to commercial projects.

And when it comes to traceability and the golden thread, Reynaers has also developed a sophisticated digital product passport solution, called DigiTrace…

DigiTrace
As a tool that is designed to bring full transparency and traceability to building elements throughout their entire lifecycle, DigiTrace acts as a digital ‘key’ that unlocks critical information about a building’s aluminium elements at any stage – from design, through to maintenance and eventual end of life.

Users can upload information at different stages of a building project and then choose who to share the information with. Key features include:
• Unique element identifier – each product carries its own digital identity. Fabricators can now also add their branding and CE marketing to DigiTrace labels, which now include a unique QR code that links back to the digital product passport.
• Easy access to trustworthy information during the full building lifecycl.e
• System and technical details accessible at any point.
• Certificates and all relevant documents in one place, including maintenance docs.

“DigiTrace ensures transparency across the entire supply chain and compliance with the Building Safety Act,” explains John. “It supports the creation of a digital passport through a secure digital wallet of information, ensuring continuity of the golden thread of evidence and readiness for future legislation.

“Together with Docu Portal and ReynaPro, it’s part of a next generation ecosystem of digital tools that have been developed to support our customers and raise standards in the supply chain,” he concludes.