Software & IT

SEEING IS BELIEVING

‘Makeovers’ are on the rise as more and more customers opt to try before they buy…

‘Makeovers’, where customers receive a render of their new windows and doors super-imposed over an image of their property, are fast becoming a staple part of the quoting process according to latest analysis of quotes prepared by installers on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform. The firm reports that in recent months over 60% of all quotes prepared for homeowners are accompanied by a visualisation, compared to just 25% two years ago. “When you consider the ease with which consumers are able to model other significant purchases like cars or kitchens, it feels inevitable that offering the client a visual of their new windows and doors in situ will become the norm,” says Chris Brunsdon, founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder. “And makeovers make sound business for installers too – not only does an impressive visual wow customers and win orders, but being clear about what you are going to fit at the quoting stage reduces error and rules out misunderstanding from the get-go.” Crunching the data from nearly ten thousand visualisations that have been prepared on the Framepoint® platform so far in 2022, Tommy Trinder have identified a number of trending applications for the makeover – here are their top three.

REPLACING THE REPLACEMENTS

Upgrading ‘shiny white’ PVCu windows to sophisticated, modern alternatives frequently calls for a makeover, according to the Tommy Trinder analysis. Says Chris: “Customers find it hard to envisage what a difference dummy vents, or varying bar layouts will make to the look of the house. “And when it comes to premium features such as flush sashes, deep bottom rails and timber look cills a quality visual will invariably help justify the uplift in cost.” “It goes without saying that if customers are considering changing colour, Framepoint® subscribers will invariably provide a makeover – it helps get to a final decision quicker.”

PUTTING BACK SASH WINDOWS

Well-designed sash windows can make a real difference to a period property’s curb appeal over cheaper replacement options, but sometimes all customers see is the cost.

Not surprising, then, that a frequent use of makeovers is to demonstrate the value that can be added by restoring a property to its former glory with correctly proportioned vertical sliders.

BRICKWORK CUT-OUTS

Makeovers lend themselves to showing clients how a façade can be improved by installing sliders and bifolds in place of windows. “It’s a real wow when you show such a huge transformation in a few clicks – homeowners are blown away.” Installer’s interested in finding out more about Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform can book a free demo at https://www.tommytrinder.com/demo

OUR BUSINESS WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT ADMINBASE

AdminBase is a web-based intuitive business management tool that, over the last 20 years, has become one of the most popular management systems for window and door installers, transforming the way businesses operate – as home improvement specialists Peninsula Windows can attest.

“We’ve been using Adminbase for a number of years now and to say we’d be lost without it is an understatement!” said Peninsula Windows’ Sales Director Dylan Hulse. Peninsula started life almost 40 years ago during the emergence of the fledgling PVCu windows industry and has since expanded to include a range of home improvements specialisms, including windows, doors, conservatories and more, from its base in North Wales. And AdminBase now plays a crucial role in its success.

“From diary planning to invoicing, job costings to essential contract documents, we rely heavily on the system,” explained Dylan. AdminBase, by Ab Initio, fully integrates all processes from potential leads to installation and beyond, incorporating the latest mobile technology. Its innovative and seamless approach means every department, and every job, is kept up-to-date in real-time, streamlining and speeding up admin processes and reducing the risk of errors. For example, My AdminBase Diary app logs and displays all appointments across the whole team, who can also share documents, photos and voice notes, so even when work takes your team the length of the UK, you know your business is all in one place. Meanwhile the award-winning customer portal enables customers to track orders, make and confirm appointments and settle invoices 24/7, benefiting both homeowners and installers. AdminBase can also help streamline and manage your suppliers too, keeping track of what materials are needed for which job and when, while its easy-to-read Dashboard feature provides records of your business, showing what’s working well and highlighting what can be improved. Designed specifically with installation businesses in mind, AdminBase takes its lead from installers themselves, developing new systems and intuitive apps based on what they need and want. Like using Google Maps to match customer enquiries to the nearest salesperson while the caller is still on the line, helping turn more enquiries into potential sales. “It’s a system that is always evolving to meet the changing demands of our industry,” said Dylan. “And the team in the office are always there to help and support. “I can’t honestly imagine running our company without it.” For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

WINDOW DESIGNER COULD MAKE YOU FIVE TIMES QUICKER

Using Window Designer to design and fabricate your aluminium windows and doors could make you up to five times more efficient, First Degree Systems has announced.

“The profitability of aluminium has grown tremendously,” Greg Beachim, Sales Manager at First Degree Systems, said. “But what hasn’t really come along the same way is the software capabilities of some of the aluminium systems. The potentially cumbersome or time-consuming software products that are given away free of charge don’t cut the additional processes that are needed for this expanding market. “Fabricators are also more likely to be running more than one aluminium system through the factory, so it makes no sense to be running multiple pieces of software alongside each other.” Greg said that even those third-party software platforms, which incorporate the technical data from multiple systems, tend to be architectural, and are thus slow when processing products and require a high degree of technical understanding. Window Designer, on the other hand, is a configurator, which can work with any profile product, be it PVC, aluminium, or timber, allowing you to centralise all processing and benefit from its wider functionality. “If we look at meeting the general highvolume domestic needs of the market, what you’ve got is a product that goes into an aperture,” he said. “It’s normally a domestic product, and not a commercial application. It’s not going into a skyrise block; it’s going into a normal household application. So, it’s been pre-configured to a business’s needs: you select the product, you select the style, you select the size, and it will give you a price. If that meets your needs, you can then send it straight to manufacture. “The permutations, such as bead or colour options, are simple: just click and go. Whereas, traditional aluminium processing can be much more cumbersome: swapping out parts can be long winded. The actual processing might take you much longer. So, Window Designer gives direct wins as far as the speed of the actual processing is concerned. In fact, it is up to five times quicker than software specially designed for aluminium fabrication.”

Another key saving for window fabricators is that they only need one piece of software across all production lines. “If you can get that centralised team to work on product using the same software, then it’s a win-win situation,” Greg said. “You are reducing overheads, you are reducing the number of people processing products, and you’re moving into a situation where you’re much more flexible, and able to meet the mounting demands of the market while adding value to your bottom line.” To find out more please visit www.firstdegreesystems.com, email info@firstdegreesystems.com,