6 minute read
CONSUMER DISPUTES - WHO NEEDS THE HEADACHE?
BiKKBI CEO Damian Walters, comments: “Whilst CAD may seem like a step too far for some tradespeople, it really shouldn’t be dismissed as a tool for others. Installers should embrace the technology now available and use it as a vehicle to stand out, win more business, reduce operating costs through clarity, upsell new and exciting product and concepts, all whilst providing the customer with an experience to match their expectations.
“Long gone are the days of ‘cigarette-packetquotes’ and hand drawn concepts. We must all embrace change and use technology as part of our commercial planning moving forward.”
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Compusoft CAD software features a clear and simple interface with pre-defined room templates to which you simply add your measurements.
Once the room is ready, everything can put into place by simply dragging and dropping it from the searchable catalogues. This can be done in either 2D or 3D to make it even easier for the user.
The software also has intuitive functionality that will be familiar to most people that have basic working knowledge of any computer. For example, right clicking on an object will bring up a menu or holding down the mouse to move and position tiles or objects will work as you would expect.
Comprehensive training can be done in just one day, so most users are ready to start using it very quickly. And if you do have any problems, there’s always a local customer service team on hand to answer any questions you might have.
In addition, you don’t need a particularly high-spec computer to use it. Providing your computer is no more than five or six years old, it should be able to easily handle a CAD software package. And, if you really want to use your CAD package on the go, then you could invest in a higher-spec or gaming laptop which would have the kind of processor and graphics card needed to run a CAD package. Some installers tend to work from handdrawn plans and these work fine provided you have no changes to make – which is rarely the case. Pricing is also often undertaken on paper so changes in the design and therefore the order, can be much more time-consuming.
CAD software allows the user to make changes instantly and easily. As the design is changed, the parts list and details are also changed and where there is a link to an accurate database of products, the parts list will have all of the details needed for ordering and quoting. As well as saving time, this also means you don’t miss anything when plans are changed.
SEARCHABLE CATALOGUES TO FIND WHAT YOU NEED
In addition, searchable product catalogues are preferable to physical brochures which, in their number and volume, can overwhelm and put off prospects. With searchable catalogues you need only need an idea of what your customer likes and then you can search easily to find exactly what they want.
The 2D installation plans that CAD packages can create are to scale and highly accurate and are all made automatically. The software will also alert you if there might be a problem with the positioning of an object, such as openings of cabinets clashing with other objects or required spacing for disabled bathrooms.
Once the design is right, a photo-realistic 3D rendering is quickly produced – within 90 seconds – and because the software is easy to use and intuitive, you can spend more time engaging with the customer.
IMPORT DESIGNS EASILY
If you are already working with a wholesaler or retailer that provides the designs, you can import those designs to make your own changes. This can cut down the amount of time you spend going back to another designer to get the right plans, which helps when you know the space and needs of the customer.
CONSIDERATIONS
If you want to get the maximum out of a CAD package, it’s important it has all of the features and functionality listed above. It should be easy to use and intuitive, it should feature searchable catalogues for well-known, trusted brands, with accurate measurements for all items. It should be able to create 3D renders from 2D plans, and you should be able to import designs to make any changes needed.
CONCLUSION
For installers, the accuracy and the timesaving features that CAD packages offer can be invaluable for those who might otherwise be working from hand-scribbled drawings and hand-written notes. Making amends quickly to designs in response to changes is something that can save a huge amount of time and ensure that you fit exactly what was agreed and promised to the customer.
Visually showing a finished bathroom in a 3D CAD system has also been proven to improve sales, as customers can be more reassured, they will get what they want for their investment.
When choosing a CAD package, have a clear idea of what you need it to do. Does it need to be able to support fitting plans or simply provide a nice picture for the customer? Also consider your own knowledge of computers and how user-friendly the package needs to be when making a decision. There are a huge number of benefits for an installer looking to grow their business and remove some of the time involved in planning and selling bathrooms.
WILSONART ZENITH RANGE LAUNCHES INTO DISTRIBUTION
Following a surge in market demand for thin profile compact laminate worktops, Wilsonart has announced from Spring 2021 that it will distribute its popular Zenith compact laminate into its builders’ merchants network.
Zenith is Wilsonart’s bestperforming compact laminate: 12.5mm thin, and a tough performer that looks and feels like stone but doesn't require templating, allowing for fuss-free, easy installation. Manufactured with toughness in mind and with a solid-core composition, Zenith is fully waterproof with a consistent colour all the way through and double-sided decorative finish. These features make Zenith worktops ideal for cutting into any shape you need for worktops, shelves and sills, and simply require a light refinishing to the front edge, allowing customers to enjoy the coloured core.
Zenith also benefits from a unique and innovative hygienefocussed twist. The surfaces boast a lifelong anti-bacterial protection that is food-safe and destroys 99.9% of bacteria within just 24 hours.
As a result of its unique properties, Zenith has seen increasing demand over the past twelve months across the construction, contract market and private residential sectors.
To mark the prosperous new direction for the Zenith brand, Wilsonart will also be launching free installation training in the coming months, to provide further support to its installer partners. The sessions will offer detailed product information and guidance on fitting to enable installers to fit Zenith surfaces with confidence and ease.
Installers can sign up to Wilsonart’s Installer Network to be the first to receive information about upcoming training sessions, as well as benefitting from other opportunities such as competitions and the option to submit their own Zenith projects as case studies. For more information and to sign up to free training, visit
Wilsonart Installer Network
