Clearview National May 2018 - Issue 198 | Page 4

PROUD SPONSOR OF INDUSTRY NEWS FROMTHEEDITOR Man vs. machine? There’s clearly a need for both in fenestration. » » WITH THE PREDICTION THAT THERE could be three million industrial robots across the globe by 2020, companies within the fenestration industry are already looking towards automation to increase output, solve the skills shortage problem, and boost business in general. As Edgetech’s Chris Alderson quite rightly says on page 64, however, “automation isn’t about replacing your workforce with robots…” Throughout the pages of this issue of Clearview – and in fact all issues of Clearview – you should come to recognise the rich blend of manpower (and womanpower!) with technology and innovation, that has led the fenestration industry to the place it is today. From investment in machinery and the enhancement of products to meet more advanced safety and security specifications, to online ordering systems (both trade and consumer), door designers, virtual reality showroom walk-throughs, and ‘NORA’; Mila’s very own ‘Alexa’ (page 87), the technological progression at every level of the industry seems to be boundless, yet why do we strive for a more streamlined and efficient approach, when it is already the best we’ve ever had? The people, of course. Technological advancements in machinery throughout the decades have helped get better products to end-users faster, allowed fabricators and installers to work in better environments with safer conditions, and when it comes to fenestration, in particular, helpe