How can cabinet making software help streamline your workflow?

by KBDi | Jun 15, 2021 | Business, Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Cabinets by Computer

Digital integration has been fast-tracked thanks to COVID, and the need to look for alternatives to continue to trade while reducing overheads and still remaining profitable has never been stronger. The joinery industry is a case in point; with such large overheads – e.g. machinery, factory and utility costs and payroll – it can be very costly to keep a joinery business operating. Accordingly, it’s imperative to have the best-suited cabinet making software to help streamline your business and stay agile.

Let’s go through some of the benefits of cabinet making software below:

Better Time Management

Business managers and staff need to spend their time wisely. By streamlining repetitive tasks, smart business owners can eliminate wait time between interdependent processes.

With the right cabinet making software, repetitive tasks carried out every day – like reviewing cut-lists, providing quotes to customers, making changes to quotes and any variations that may come up before a job is cut through to the CNC Machine – can be effectively systemised.

The result is fewer errors, uniformity in processing, fast results and – most importantly – a higher profit margin. Moreover, employees can concentrate on critical areas of business growth.

Less Paperwork

Streamlining reduces the need to print hard copies. An automated system can generate reports which you can share electronically. A good cabinet making software saves you money by eliminating paper.

The cabinet manufacturing software also shrinks your workforce requirements through automatic data entry and processing. Furthermore, digitally processed documents are usually more accurate than manually filled papers.

Reduced Wastage

Using cabinet making software can improve material usage and reduce waste. Effective use of nesting software does a lot more than create nests and generate g-code. Effective nesting software cuts material costs, improves programming efficiency and productivity and overall enables better production control.

Flexibility

One limitation of old-fashioned business processing models is that stakeholders must follow a set of stringent processes without room for customisation. The problem is that projects have varying requirements while clients can have different needs.

Streamlining in a business overcomes this challenge. The processes are flexible, and you can change them to suit various circumstances.

Labor Cost

Having better cabinet making software reduces the number of staff members you need onboard in the factory at the same time. Smart cabinet software will enable you to streamline your process from the customer’s orders through to the production while reducing the double handling by requiring more input from the customer to ensure the job specifications submitted are correct.

Learn more about Cabinets by Computer and their suite of software solutions here.

Delivering your design concepts

by KBDi | May 21, 2021 | Business, Design Software, Inspiration

The Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia has been conducting regular surveys with members for some time now. Our ‘One Question Wednesday’ surveys cover various topics and garner valuable industry data and anecdotes.

If we’ve learned one thing about our cohort with these exercises, it’s that there is no one size fits all approach to delivering design in this industry.

Our recent survey regarding concept presentations demonstrated the range of services and business models we house within the group. Here’s the question we put to the membership in April:

A Design Concept is the central theme from which all design elements are expanded. We’re interested to know how you present this initial concept to your clients.

When sharing your FIRST ROUND design concept with a client, which presentation method/s do you use?

We learned that our members use a variety of tools and presentation methods when presenting to their clients with round one concepts. Of course, the business and sales model used by the designer will determine the extent of detail delivered. Those who’ve locked in a comprehensive service and fee schedule are more likely to offer a full package presentation early on. Designers working on nominal fees and manufacturing commissions will be a little more efficient with first-round concept deliverables.

The following is a general wrap up of how our members operate, with some neat little tips and tricks for those new to the game.

Orthographic Plan Sets
Orthographic drawings are two-dimensional representations of a 3D space. In our world, that means floor plans and elevations. A comprehensive orthographic set is essential for production and construction, but when it comes to presenting a design concept, only 5% of the membership use this as a stand-alone method. Over 60% of those who responded present the orthographic set as part of a more extensive package, combining 3D renderings and sample boards (more about both of these later).

Hand-drawn perspectives
Many designers enter the profession with an artistic leaning, and some develop ways to use their sketching skills as a successful sales strategy. 12.5% of those surveyed said they use hand-drawn drawings to illustrate their design intentions with some individual flair. Members like Jamal Ghouzali (Frenchitecture) believe drawing to be an essential communication skill and an excellent way to engage the client in the creative process. He’s shared examples of kitchen and bathroom concept sketches below.

Tip: Drawing is a skill that anyone can learn. If you’re looking for ways to complement your communication and CAD skills, keep an eye on our upcoming events. Selina will be sharing some tips in Brisbane in June, and a Sydney Symposium session we have planned could be right up your alley, too.

Computer-generated 3Ds
Not surprisingly, computer-generated 3Ds are a much-loved tool for kitchen and bathroom designers. Over two-thirds of the respondents deliver their design concept with a 3D presentation. (It should be noted that only 12.5% use this as their only tool – the majority present the 3D alongside orthographic sets and sample boards.)

Tip: Several members indicated that their 3D presentation is used more for the purposes of demonstrating the volumes and layout of spaces. Clients are often distracted by colours – presenting ‘white box’ visuals means the focus can remain on the practical elements of the space planning.

South Australian member, Tony Warren CKD Au, takes great joy in presenting images like the following to his high-end clients.

Computer-generated Walk-throughs
12.5% of survey responders have upped the ante on their 3D presentations by offering computer-generated, animated walk-throughs. With the right tools and some technological nous, you can ‘walk’ your clients through your design. Long-time member, Darren Genner CKD Au, has mastered this technique, as demonstrated in the video below.

Above video was created with PYTHA and PYTHA Radiolab | Design and animation by Minosa

Sample Boards
65% of members take the time to present a sample board to clients at their round one presentations. A third of these members deliver digital representations, and two-thirds prepare physical, in-the-real sample boards.

As indicated at the beginning of this feature, our main takeaway from this particular survey was that there is no set-in-stone way to deliver a design concept to a client. Finding a method that suits your skillset, your personality, and, of course–your budget and business model–is the key to a successful strategy.

As always, we welcome your feedback and commentary. Share your words of wisdom or questions for our crew below.

Why first impressions count

by KBDi | May 14, 2021 | Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Cabinets by Computer

Did you know first impressions are 94% design related?

We sometimes forget how important first impressions are, not only from a personal point of view but from the work we produce, whether it be a presentation, promotional content or a client’s design, it all needs to be at a high level.

It’s one thing to be present, well presented and on time, but if your presentation isn’t visually engaging or inviting to the client or group, you won’t be getting a call-back or the groups buy-in on what your presenting.

Our first impression when meeting someone face-to-face can affect our relationship long term. It affects whether or not we like someone if we think we can trust them, and if we intend to meet that person again.

Visual impressions are the same thing. Once you have made a negative first impression on a potential client, chances are they will not enjoy or look forward to coming back. Whether we like to admit it or not, we’re all guilty of sometimes judging a book by its cover – meaning visual appeal plays a large part in establishing your appeal and level of professionalism above your competitors, it gets you in the front door!

Let’s take a look at our latest offering KD Max 360 and why we think it’s a great add-value to your visual arsenal! For more info click – here

Five benefits of using kitchen design software in your business

by KBDi | Apr 23, 2021 | Design Software

A message from KBDi Corporate Partners, Cabinets by Computer

At Cabinets by Computer, our solutions are centered around making life easier for all designers, cabinet makers and trade professionals. With constant change, we need to embrace new technology as it starts to play a more important role in our everyday lives.

Let’s take a look at 5 benefits of using Kitchen Design Software in Your Business.

1. Understanding traditional 2D floor plans and elevations is difficult.

It’s no question that many people struggle to understand hand drawings and 2D plans. While some customers can get the general idea from a floor plan, they may still have trouble visualising how the design is going to look.

Being able to see and experience a design in 3D will help your customers understand how their kitchen is going to be set out and get a real feeling for the finished environment.

The more your clients can understand the look and feel of your design, the more comfortable they’ll be at making the end decision of parting with their hard-earned cash.

2. Designs can change and evolve in real-time, during meetings with your clients.

Meetings are the best way to include customers in the cabinet design process and to make sure nothing is overlooked. Customers will always bring up design questions, and changes can be made during the meeting for instant results.

With cabinet design software, the ability to make a change and re-render the design in front of your customers is more than achievable, it’s a reality.

3. Cabinet Design Software cuts down on changes after construction has begun.

Reducing the number of design changes during manufacturing and installation cuts the development cost of the project substantially. If your clients are able to visualize what the finished product will look like, it will reduce the number of concerns & potential changes during project completion.

The ability to communicate clearly with customers while showing design specifications or any final modification before the production process has begun is highly important.

4. Cabinet Design Software enables you to Automate processes.

It is no surprise that automation is one of the predicted growth sectors, with the importance of cost reductions in the production process starting to come to the fore across many industries. Machinery companies, as well as software providers, are developing new ways of bringing more automation to the production process for the Joinery Industry.

An increase in Automation will likely also see a reduction in the need for highly skilled workers, meaning that businesses can scale up their workforce without having to rely on being able to find workers who carry relevant trade qualifications and experience. This reliance on skilled workers is raised later in the report as a future concern for respondents, with a clear skills shortage becoming evident within the industry.

Read more about the benefits of our cabinet design software here.

5. Stand out in the market.

It’s no surprise that the home renovating industry is popular.

What would it mean to you and your business to stand out amongst a crowd? Creating and presenting visually impressive projects will not only attract more clients but will also boost the chances of your business standing out against your competitors, helping you to get more market share, more sales and charge a premium for your work.

We hope this has helped you get a better understanding of the benefits of using Cabinet Design Software.

Learn more about Cabinets by Computer here.

Your post-sale strategy and why it matters

by KBDi | Oct 8, 2020 | Business, Design Software

A message from our Corporate Plus Partner, Cabinets by Computer

In such a competitive market place, you can’t deny the importance of a post-sales strategy. No matter the industry, a post-sale process guarantees you are continuing to meet the customer’s expectations well after the sale has been made. Providing a point of difference with your service and leading to a competitive edge over your competition is the goal.

What are some of the benefits of using a Post Sale Strategy?

An increase in sales
The loyalty of your customers
An improvement in your performance
A point of difference from your competitors

Let’s take a quick look at some of the techniques you can implement as part of your post-sale-process.

Thank your Customer

After your customer has just made a purchase, they deserve a thank you by sending an automated email or a thank you note added to the delivered product. You make the customer’s experience more enjoyable and show they have chosen well by doing business with you or your company. In addition, with the name of a person to contact in case of questions, you reassure the customer that your company is doing everything they can.

Contact your Customer After 1-2 Weeks

One to two weeks after the purchase, it is advantageous to contact your customer to ask them if they are satisfied, received good service or if they have any questions. This contact serves as only a mark of attention, not to sell them more. The goal is to acknowledge the appreciation of the product or service sold.

Maintain Communication

You can continuously maintain communication with your customer’s by sending an e-newsletter to inform them about topics that affect them, or by offering information through articles, videos, guides and social media to help advise them on needs. You will show, by maintaining communication, your professionalism and expertise. If you give them all the information they need, they will be less likely to go elsewhere.

Ask for Recommendations

If your customer appreciates you, there is no reason not to recommend you. Happy customers will be eager to help you offer your services or products to those around them.

Bathroom Visualisation with Innoplus from Compusoft

by KBDi | Sep 11, 2020 | Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Compusoft

The bathroom industry has come a long way. Products are continuing to enhance in design, efficiency, improved quality of materials, and adding technology.

The bathroom is no longer just a place to take care of our bodies – it’s a sanctuary. A place of relaxation, renewal, and joy. Form is now just as important as function and our industry is now focussed just as much on design, as practicality.

We need a way to help our customer make decisions on their bathroom design. What product works best for their home’s colour palate, their bathroom layout, their tastes and the moods they wish to invoke.

Innoplus, from Compusoft is your new companion to make this happen.

Compusoft’s flagship bathroom design planning software can make your customer’s dreams a ‘virtual reality’ to help them decide on design, layout and product selection before a single tile is laid.

Bring your customer’s dream bathroom design with Compusoft’s library of more than 1000 local and international bathroom and tile brands and photo-realistic render.
Save countless hours of shifting through catalogues and mood-boards – change colour, styles and finishes with just a few clicks.
Finish the job to perfection with instant creation of building measures and plans – including tile layouts – and a list of all the products with their codes for easy ordering.

To watch a video of Innoplus in action, find out more information or request a demo, visit our website at https://www.compusoftgroup.com/products/innoplus/

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