What’s Next in Automation?

The past few decades in the fenestration industry have largely been shaped by major developments in equipment automation. Where high-speed lines initially enabled manufacturers to focus on high-volume production, the application of automated machinery today helps fabricators around the world enhance quality consistency, maximize labor, improve worker safety, and deliver high-performance end-use products.

So, it’s worth asking the question: What’s next? That’s something I’ll have my eye on at this year’s fall tradeshows, which represent great opportunities for commercial glass professionals to get an up-close look at the latest automated equipment available in today’s market. Here are a few things I’ll be on the lookout for.

What we’re watching

First, let’s take stock of where automation has gotten us. Automated lines are a common sight on shop floors today—a rising tide that has lifted all boats in the commercial glass fabrication space, as the saying goes. Meanwhile, equipment technology itself has reached something of a maturation point, with true innovation on the mechanical side of things having slowed in recent years, with a couple of exceptions we’ll explore shortly.

Instead, I expect to see some more advancements on the software side of production—specifically with the widespread advent of artificial intelligence integration. These solutions are being applied far and wide for greater factory automation, predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain optimization, production efficiency and many other applications. I’ve long been interested in the application of software solutions to achieve true plant transformation—and we could be on the cusp of something even more transformative.

Back to the mechanical side. At last year’s GlassBuild show, equipment OEM Forel debuted an automated thin triples line. Thin triples today may have limited applicability for commercial applications, and their adoption has been slow due to fabrication concerns, but I do believe in the technology’s ability to deliver outstanding energy efficiency, which only grows more important with each passing year. I’ll be keeping my eye on whether we see any further fabrication advancements (or increasing interest) for thin triples.

Forward-thinking professionals should always be on the lookout for advancing technologies and considering the ways they might be able to positively impact operations. It’s all about evaluating what’s right for your business.

The importance of proper preparation

One trend that will always influence the application of new automated equipment solutions? The importance of proper preparation. If you invest in new equipment this fall, you may not begin installation for quite a few months—but the time to start preparing is now.

New equipment requires adjustments and the right mindset to successfully adapt. Workers will require training on how to best work with the new machinery, and their ability to properly manage your new systems will help maximize quality and production. Indeed, if you’re preparing new machines with AI-powered software, there will be a learning curve, and investing the time to be sure they’re being used to their full potential is important.

Your maintenance teams will also need to get up to speed, because newer equipment has different upkeep requirements. Your ability to properly care for new machines will determine your ability to capitalize on your investment. Indeed, today’s maintenance technicians must be highly skilled individuals—and it’s something fenestration manufacturers must account for in their hiring practices.

New machinery also presents a great opportunity to evaluate your plant flow and processes. You’ll be able to eliminate touchpoints and reduce the number of personnel on your lines for optimal efficiency.

If you’re adding capacity, raw materials ordering and fulfillment will need adjusting—open and fluid communication with your suppliers will be important here. Work with your vendors to ensure you have what you need to maximize your new capabilities.

Finally, don’t neglect your old equipment in favor of the new machines. You’re likely not overhauling all of your production equipment at once, and your existing machines and equipment that help you make quality insulating glass should be of equal priority with proper predictive maintenance and upkeep.