The glass industry is entering a time of major change that
will present challenges and opportunities and drive innovation.
The industry faces increases in design complexity, a push
for more stringent codes and a worsening labor shortage. Companies, and the
industry at large, will have to adapt and evolve in order to thrive in the
quickly changing building environment and moving forward into the new world of
design and construction.
The major factor affecting change on the industry is design
complexity. The advancements in computer design capabilities has fueled an
explosion of creative building design. This has added tremendous complexity to design,
construction and assembly.
In addition to the projects and products, the processes
themselves are more complex. The building industry is moving toward Building
Information Modeling, with design-assist projects becoming more common.
The glass industry needs to prepare for a toughening code
environment. On the horizon for codes is increased stringency in base energy
codes; increased code adoption and enforcement; and expansion of green codes
and standards.
While stringent codes and standards will challenge the
industry, they will also drive innovation. The lack of incoming talent into the
glass and glazing industry affects companies in all segments and of all sizes.
From engineers to installers to transport drivers, the industry needs workers.
Innovation and technology could prove critical in addressing
the skilled labor shortage. Robots are being built and tested in construction.
They are already being used to build prefabricated assemblies.
If the lack of skilled workers begins to strain the
construction industry, automation could move into the jobsite as it has at
manufacturing facilities. This could be volatile change for the glass industry
in 5 to 10 years.
