The fourth industrial revolution - ‘Industry 4.0’ or Smart Factory – an abstract term which encompasses four subsets including cloud computing, cognitive computing, the ‘Internet of Things’ and cyber-physical systems. 2019 is also the year of digitalisation for high-speed door manufacturers EFAFLEX. During the year they will roll out a programme of marketing and sales updates which aim to improve the customer experience; simplifying access to tools and educational apps and reducing the need for printed material.
Appropriately their UK premises are based in Telford not far from the historic Iron Bridge; an iconic 30 metre cast-iron structure that spans the River Severn and opened in 1781. Ironbridge is said to be the birthplace of the first industrial revolution.
Revolution, evolution, and innovation are all words associated with EFAFLEX. During their near half a century heritage, they have designed unique high-speed doors that are all aimed to improve user safety, reduce energy costs (by as much as 50%) and drive performance efficiencies. A company of ‘firsts,’ EFAFLEX were the first company to design a laser scanner for doors and engineer the EFA-THERM laths which deliver exceptional insulation properties.
Part of their ‘Internet of Things’ EFAFLEX have recently incorporated Building Information Modelling (BIM) into their website, a 3D digital tool which aids architects, engineers and construction professionals by helping them to visualise, plan and predict a building project’s profitability and total cost of ownership. Partnering with BIMobject®, the number of downloadable product files is constantly growing and supported across various CAD systems including Revit, ArchiCAD and AutoCAD. Ideal for both novice and experienced users, BIMobject® makes planning easier, faster, safer and more accurate; providing one shared portal for stakeholders to view project revisions in real time.
In line with their digital revolution and ‘Internet of Things,’ EFAFLEX have introduced a Sales Application. With the rising use of mobile and tablet devices, the Sales App provides a new user-friendly tool that consists of three different elements; a door configurator, door management and door simulation, all presented in either 2D or 3D. At the press of a button, the user can configure the door type and style, with optional Augmented and Virtual Reality to build a detailed fully functioning working graphic. Together with the client, EFAFLEX’s app enables them to configure the requirements live on the screen to ensure they provide the perfect high-speed door solution bespoke to the customer’s requirements.
Whilst EFAFLEX’s ethos remains unchanged, to continually design revolutionary, class leading products that deliver unparalleled cost and safety benefits, their future is most certainly set on the horizon as part of their own, mini ‘industrial revolution.’