If you’re looking beyond today’s factory absenteeism, remakes and unrealistic customer delivery demands, the GPAD 2022 futureproofing conversation is for you.
I’ve heard it for years: fabricating glass and windows is hot, dirty, dangerous, physical work.
You’d think the industry hasn’t evolved since the industrial revolution.
Of course, it has. And now, in the digital age, fabricators face new pressure to adapt and change.
At a recent National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) event (NGA is a member of NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations), Anant Kadiyala, senior director of transformational technologies at Oracle, identified the following six factors for manufacturing success:
- Technology Adoption
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- New Business Models
- Innovation and Experimentation
- Well-Integrated Teams
- Culture
Manufacturing Success Developed at GPAD
The first two, technology adoption and data-driven decision making, have been the focus of Glass Processing Automation Days (GPAD) since the event’s start in 2013.
GPAD originated from the idea that fabricators attend trade shows like GlassBuild America to learn about specific machine manufacturers’ advancements in technology, and to sell to their customers and prospects. Seeing the big picture of how equipment advancements can be completely and efficiently integrated into the fabrication process can get lost in the intensity of a 200,000-square-foot trade show with thousands of people and multiple goals.
At GPAD, the very focused topic of complete factory automation and integration is about futureproofing. GPAD’s sponsors present solutions in a classroom setting, and the conversations continue during relaxed social gatherings with fabricator customers and prospects. The intimate size and focused scope of GPAD make for meaningful exchanges to build relationships; proof is in the repeat attendee list.
The remaining factors of success—new business models, innovation and experimentation, well-integrated teams, and culture—are also covered at GPAD. More than one fabricator told me he comes every year because it’s easier to talk to competitors about common business challenges there.
GPAD Coming in March
After a two-year hiatus, and now hosted by the National Glass Association, GPAD returns with its unique mix of classroom and camaraderie. On March 29-31, 2022 at Nashville’s new Grand Hyatt Hotel, GPAD co-locates with NGA’s Building Envelope Contractors (BEC) Conference. The two events overlap with a “bridge day” on supply chain challenges fabricators and glazing contractors face together.
Yes, fabricating glass and windows is challenging, and there are 21st century solutions and opportunities. If you’re looking beyond today’s factory absenteeism, remakes and unrealistic customer delivery demands, the GPAD 2022 futureproofing conversation is for you. I look forward to seeing you there next March in Nashville, and of course, before then, in Atlanta for GlassBuild America, September 13-15!