OPTIMISED MANUFACTURING

SKINS N MORE
Withspace at a premium, savvy small to medium blind and awning manufacturers are opting to use a skin service rather than having to store rolls of fabric at their premises. Michael Shaw, owner and founder of Skins N More says, “With the vast array of fabrics now available from suppliers it makes sense to order exactly what you need when you need it.”

“In the past, manufacturers would order a roll of fabric, cut what they need and carefully rewrap the roll and any offcuts for use later. The reality is that the remaining roll can never be located when required and the offcuts stored under the bench end up damaged. Further, slight changes in colour due to batch variances ensure that any savings in price are soon forgotten with the issues this brings.”

“Utilising our experience with fabrics and cutting techniques our customers tell us that they are selling fabrics they would have previously shied away from due to fraying issues. This has opened up the choices they can offer their clients and helps keep them ahead of the pack.”

“We recently added a swathe of new and existing fabrics from suppliers we all know and our “Find Your Fabric” tab makes locating your choice easy.”

“When you compare the price for a cut skin from Skins N More, it’s often cheaper, even at face value, than cutting it yourself. What is even more amazing is the true cost, when you really do the sums on this properly. The costs that are not immediately thought of are things like the outside of the roll being soiled or damaged in transit or the very end of the roll that is a useless size. Cutting errors or fabric being cut inefficiently are often not taken in to account.”

Michael Shaw finishes with “Skins N More is a convenient online shop that offers the variety and convenience we have all become a custom to. With delivery available Australia wide ordering skins from Skins N More simply makes sense.”

Skins N More will be showcasing its offering at the BMAA SuperExpo, Stand 318.

BLINDWARE
Blindware’s Ezy-Order App is proving a game changer in stock replenishment, says Managing Director Grant Norton.

“Ordering and replenishing stock can be a laborious, timeconsuming and sometimes inaccurate process. When mistakes are made in counting stock or filling in order forms, rectifying things can be a costly exercise. Technology in manufacturing has helped manufacturers streamline key processes, saving valuable time resources and most importantly, maximise productivity. Often, these technological advances will need complete system overhauls, requiring significant investment, training and management time. Sometimes it’s the simplest technology change that can truly change the game.”

“Blindware deals with customers of all sizes and turnover ranges, with a common need to make the ordering process fast, accurate and simple. Stock counting, data entry, paperwork, sending faxes and so on consume time that could be spent on the production floor maximising output or making the next sale. Blindware’s Ezy-Order App makes the ordering and replenishing process simple and fast.” “Available to anyone with a Smart Phone, it really is technology made simple – download the App, set up a profile and order/replenish stock simply by scanning the external barcodes on your product packaging and adding to your cart. With complete control of the process from a desktop control panel, customers can:

• Tag items as favourites so they can be found and ordered quickly and easily.
• Set maximum order quantities so items aren’t accidentally over-ordered
• Manage employee access as needed
• Delegate access to appropriate staff
• Review order history
• Search for items by part number or description

“Placing orders can also be done from the desktop control panel. Entirely paperless from start to finish, the Ezy-Order App takes the complexity, administration and headache out of stock control and ordering. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference.”

Blindware’s Ezy-Order App is available for download from the App Store or Google Play.

ALL WINDOW FASHIONS
All Window Fashions’ AWF Easylift is proving popular in the market, largely due to its compact size, small projection and ease of installation. The added benefit of motorisation within a small headrail, is making this product into a real winner, in both the domestic and commercial markets, says All Window Fashions Sales Representative Karl Wellington,

“One of the main benefits we believe, besides the great new colours and versatility of the system is the simple fact that it’s manufactured in Australia. In a market where more and more honeycomb blinds are being manufactured offshore, retailers are seeking to support an Australian made product; the AWF Easylift Honeycomb System and Fabrics, offers that.”

Wellington says continuous improvement to optimise the company’s production methods is a key component of its approach to manufacturing. Computerisation and automation also play a key role, evidenced by the recent purchase of new automated packaging machinery at the company’s plant. “We also stay up to date with the latest computerised cutting tables and other automated machinery for a range of different products.”

He adds that the company is also committed to investing in systems/components for better production methods and ultimately easier installation of products for its customers.

“Our industry has evolved quite a lot over the last 10 years, mainly through the implementation of computerisation and automation. We are finding with motorisation continuously growing, home automation has become a lot more prevalent.”

Wellington confirms All Window Fashions has re-engineered its Easylift Honeycomb System for small (25mm) single cell honeycomb fabrics. The product is available in a selection of universally popular colours which includes white, snow white, black and natural anodised. “We have a fifth colour headrail, available in stone, set to release quite soon.”

These colours are paired with colour co-ordinated clutches and operating cords. The Easylift Honeycomb System is now available with a pre-looped cord as well as the original chain system.

“We are excited to announce our new designer range of 25mm fabrics. Upon release, the range will include Avignon fabric, featuring a horizontal pattern and a contemporary colour range. This fabric range will be paired with our new sheer fabric Lillé, our range represents a truly versatile and modern product offering for you.”