Advances in Software Will Continue to Drive Worldwide Component Industry

摘要

Chesterfield, MO- Many developments have occurred over the last 40 years to significantly change the business model of component manufacturers. Five years ago, when I wrote a similar article on the 35th Anniversary of Automated Builder, I singled out software and personal computers as the most important development in our industry. My opinion has not changed in the last five years. The advances that the industry has made in utilizing computer software to automate its business and make its products more competitive has been truly incredible. With a diminishing supply of skilled labor available, automation is the key to the industry's survival, both now and into the future. The latest design software will soon incorporate the entire house rather than just roofs, floors and walls. As early as this year, and certainly into the future, whole-house software will become the norm for the industry. By 'whole-house' I mean the software will literally be able to incorporate the loads from the roof through the foundation, thus enhancing the quality and breadth of services that the component manufacturer can supply the ultimate builder.