Date: 30 June 2011
Ron Crowl, president of FeneTech, welcomed the 42 attendees from ten different countries representing 25 companies with a unique “Star Trek” video message. Claiming to, “Take you where no competitor has gone before,” Crowl pledged the FeneVision software systems will take users away from their manual controls.
Morning sessions were conducted by Horst Mertes, director of global sales, and Craig Morris, director of engineering, both of FeneTech. They introduced the company’s version 7.6 software featuring the “Dashboard,” a one-stop location for obtaining business metrics in real time. Mertes also explained the advantages of using the iPad version.
“When glass breaks on the jobsite, contract glaziers can immediately reorder on their iPad, instead of having to wait until they are back in their offices,” he said.
The software’s production tool develops a work plan for each item ordered, and operates on batch optimization. Its Opti-Break system shows releases displayed by glass type and works through a touch screen for easy use in the plant.
Morris presented the company’s iPad programs, stating, “Tablets are taking off as acceptable business tools. The benefit to the user includes the ability to check the status of each work cell, whether in the plant or out.”
Partner company presentations included Bystronic Glass’ new speed’cut advanced glass cutting technology. Scott Knisely, president of Bystronic, discussed the available configurations of different cutting machines that run on FeneVision software. Knisely’s presentation demonstrated one of the features of the company’s newest technology, the ability to change out a wheel for different glass thickness totally through automation.
Quality control inspection was discussed by Christian Krenn, sales director of Soft Solution based in Austria, and Nate Huffman, FeneTech’s application engineer. Through a joint partnership, they provide sensors, light sources and software for detecting defects.
A visually interesting presentation by Martin Mayer, general manager of MGT Mayer in Austria, followed. Mayer’s mid-sized, family-owned business was started 25 years ago by his mother and father. The company produces and installs insulating glass with blinds, heat mirror, laminated glass and tempered glass. His collection of high-rise commercial buildings, high-end homes and even boats with solar control lites showed his company’s passion for distinct design creations.
Mayer commented that participating in FeneVision’s conference was an easy choice for him. “We’re looking for new potential ideas and hoping to find companies lookingfor unique work,” he said.
John Dwyer, president of Syracuse Glass, added, “We’re seeing things pick up, mostly small commercialprojects. We were on hold for a while but have seen jobs released for this construction season. I’ve met a lot of interesting people here who use glass in different ways,” he added. “I’m very glad I came to this conference.”
The event, which runs through day, commenced with a joint cocktail reception and dinner with attendees from its annual User Conference last evening.
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