Archive for May, 2011

Technology integration, into our products and our operations, is a vital component to the future health of almost any organization today. Glass is a vital and burgeoning Industry with diverse opportunities for new products and whole new businesses.

Technology helps me run a best practices company. We are always looking for creative applications for glass and related materials. Our capital appropriations practices for equipment and tools are justified by an ability to outdeliver our competitors on both single source capabilities and for the impeccable quality and precision for which we have earned a well deserved reputation.

A regular and perceptive reading of trends will help prevent a business from becoming too complacent. In many ways, technology has helped to level the playing field in other Industries with adverse effects on non-tech savvy competitors. By not refreshing the product and services offering, these businesses become more and more alike with little more to differentiate them than price.

With change taking place inside and outside of our businesses at lightning speed, having a strategy for keeping up to date is important. Since I am in my fourth decade in the glass business, it goes with little explanation that I possess a broad perspective. Yet, I make it a point to religiously keep current with most Industry Journals and online publications as well as those of our primary customers.

I also attend various Industry events which allows me to supplement my regular check-in calls to colleagues in other companies with these chance face-to-face meetings in restaurants and on the tradeshow floor. Keeping informed provides a great perspective when making important decisions about the future of your operations.

New product innovations from some of the leading research companies in our Industry hold the promise for new business opportunities and new markets to serve. Innovative surface materials, photovoltaic glass, plus new ideas in display and design utilizing Architectural Decorative Glass are just a few examples of items that can bring distinction to a creative organization.

One of the key reasons for maintaining a technology edge is to stay ahead of the competition, to do something new, innovative or simply recognizable. In today’s excess capacity economy,  “follower” competitors are losing ground. And, it isn’t just limited to technology matters. If you have competitors, and most all of us do, the ones who are still standing today can be characterized as aggressive, innovative and well prepared. For the most part, the weak have already fallen by the wayside.

At the same time that competitors have gotten better, customers have gotten smarter. They have more choices than ever before, have many more information sources and, take longer to make decisions. These smart buyers make intelligent decisions – they demand the newest products and innovations, the most features and all at the best price.

For me, this discussion always comes back to marketing. You can be innovative, offer competitive prices and consistently deliver on time. But, what if no one knows about you? Don’t be the best kept secret in your market.

To be prepared to get your fair share, you need a clear business plan, innovations that distinguish you from others in your business, a competent workforce, efficient production abilities, and a communication plan to stimulate the market and win the sale.

Together the people, the products and the direction of our Industry provides a progressive platform for expression and healthy growth. Continuing to invest in our businesses and in our Industry is a good bet.

Thank you for your interest in my blog, I am eager for your feedback as well as the opportunity to build new business relationships. Please contact me at polishededges@galaxycustom.com

Galaxy Glass & Stone^® has a worldwide reputation as an industry leader in Architectural Decorative Glass. With over 32-years of success in this field I offer my expertise to the professional community as a content expert on any glass related matter. My future blog postings chronicle perspectives on a range of issues of a personal and professional nature that I believe will be of interest to members of the glass industry.