From GFAB: Codes, Equipment and AI
With a new look at an old theme, this year’s inaugural Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB) in Chicago was well attended and worth the trip.
It should be noted that the organization hosting the event does important work for the glass industry. Its committees, staffed mostly by volunteers from the industry, are vital to keeping us strong and up to date with codes, equipment and innovations. We are lucky to be in an industry where large and small businesses come together. We all need to give back to our industry; our time and knowledge will make us all stronger.
To Codes
We are going into a new code cycle where future code changes will be discussed. It looks like energy codes are not up for major changes, but bird glass, school security and security glass are on the agendas.
The number of companies showcasing security doors and entrance systems at last month’s American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture & Design, and the changes discussed, suggest this is a trend worth watching to determine what it could mean for your business.
On the equipment side, more automation is in the future. Between software programs that streamline the manufacturing process and automated tempering and insulating glass lines, our industry is going to be in for some big changes. This will give temperers and fabricators who invest in automation a big leg up in the future, producing faster and more economically. With software programs that let the machines talk to each other, as well as customer service, this will add to your efficiency.
AI in Glass Fabrication
The segment on artificial intelligence (AI) was my favorite. Elton Boocock, founder of thinkivity, delved into what AI will mean to glass fabrication, taking stock of where we are now and likely timelines.
Boocock showed how we can benefit from introducing simple AI tools into our daily work to gain a competitive advantage and not get left behind. He underscored that the information AI produces isn’t fact, but opinions at this point, so make sure you check the facts provided before making any large decisions. You want to control who is using AI in your business and plan for what you want to accomplish.
Boocock made it sound easy to get started. Choose a simple process in your business that takes time, and plan to introduce AI solutions. Once you have success in small projects, you can better understand how to deploy it in other areas that make sense. Like most things in business, you need a plan to get started.