May June 2023

Software
AUTOMATION
BE CONFIDENT WITH COLOUR
Holding too much stock is seen as not good for business, but did you know there is a
simple way around it? Total Fabricator talks to First Degree Systems’
Sales Manager Greg Beachim to find out more.
Managing stock levels has become a key
pressure point for window fabricators in
recent years, as business owners juggle
the demands placed upon them.
Demand for high value products, including flush
casements and foiled profile; uncertainty in the
supply chain; customer demand for shorter lead
times – all of these can translate into growing
stock levels, which can add further pressures to
a business, argues First Degree Systems’ Sales
Manager Greg Beachim.
“Despite initial worries of demand falling off a
cliff at the start of 2023, window companies and
their suppliers have adjusted their offering to
meet the changing demands from homeowners,”
he explained.
“Business owners will tell you that if they have
seen a reduction in orders, this has been more
than made up by the demand for high value
products. The downside to this is extra pressure
this places on stock levels.
Greg Beachim
“If you are over-stocked, then that can tie up
thousands of pounds – money that can be
invested elsewhere in the business. That space
can also be used to manufacture those highervalue
products.”
Greg explained that all window fabricators that
use Window Designer from Cyncly Group company
First Degree Systems to process their designs
have access to Stock Assistant, which links the
information already entered into the software to
the stock holding.
“So, as you place an order with a manufacturing
date, Stock Assistant will pre-allocate your
product,” he continued. “That will raise a demand
for a given product, and then push it through to
what you order. “The net result is that you will
only order what you need to the timescales that
have been laid out by your production dates.
“Coupled with the Barcode Tracking System, stocks
can also be automatically downgraded as they’re
being used, reducing labour costs, reducing human
error, and simplifying the whole process.”
Greg explains that while many fabricators are
increasing their colour offering – to meet the
increased demand from homeowners – this added
pressure can be managed by Window Designer.
Continued on page 44
42 T F MAY / JUNE 2023 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN