Aluminium FAQ – Answered By An Aluminium Manufacturer
Welcome to our Aluminium FAQ page, where we shed some light on the aluminium product process and answer frequently asked questions revolving around aluminium product production. Not finding the answers you’re looking for below? Contact PG Aluminium KZN today and send us your aluminium queries!
Phase 1: Project Planning & Preparation
Once the aluminium door or window design has been approved, preparing the factory for manufacturing begins. A dedicated project controller is assigned who oversees the project from start to finish, keeping the salesperson updated who then keeps the customer updated – every step of the way.
Once the project is formally assigned and logged, a site inspection must take place (where the aluminium product will be installed). Here the project manager will confirm all requirements such as product needed, measurements, specifications and installation directives.
This phase is vitally critical as one small oversight can result in project delays. Once the project manager is satisfied that all innitial steps have been correctly taken, he/she will then hand the project over to the factory.
Phase 2: Aluminium Product Manufacture
The project manager briefs the manufacturing team on the project scope. The factory manager accepts the project and initiates the process of manufacturing.
The customer-facing salesperson is updated on the manufacturing process at every step to ensure that the client is kept up to date and that project deadlines are adhered to.
Phase 3: Aluminium Product Delivery
Once the required aluminium product has been manufactured, the project manager visits the installation site again to confirm that no changes have occurred, and that installation can take place. The project manager will then liaise with all stakeholders to arrange convenient dates and times for the aluminium product to be installed.
At this stage the project manager ensures that resources are reserved and scheduled for installation. This is very important to ensure that all deadlines and project stipulations are adhered to. Important equipment like hardware, tools and consumables will be booked for use on the installation dates.
Phase 4: Product Installation
The project manager supervises the installation from start to end. Once the installation is complete they will sign off on completion. The project manager is also responsible for a final quality control check. At every step of the installation process, the customer is kept abreast of the status of the project.
Questions to Ask Your Aluminium Product Supplier
An investment into new aluminium doors, windows or other fixtures is a serious one – so you want to make 100% sure your chosen aluminium company is trusted, reliable, and – most importantly – registered with the AAAMSA (Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa).
Is the company registered with the AAAMSA?
An aluminium company registered with the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa has been assessed and deemed suitable to provide high-quality structural aluminium products and services in South Africa. If your preferred supplier is NOT with the AAAMSA, there’s a chance your new aluminium products could have been manufactured with inferior aluminium.
Is the aluminium company reputable?
One way to quickly find out if a company is reputable or not is to see what their past customers have to say about the company’s level of expertise and professionalism. So, before partnering with an aluminium company, do some research on social media – connecting with past customers and inquiring about their experiences. If the general consensus is a negative one, think twice before parting with your money.
How competitive is their pricing?
In times of financial strife, too often our first choice is the cheapest choice. Unfortunately this leads to future disappointment as the quality of workmanship and aluminium materials is often sub-standard. To ensure longevity of your aluminium products, find an aluminium partner that isn’t the cheapest – but that is also not miles more expensive than everyone else in the industry.
Who have they worked with?
Another consideration when choosing an aluminium manufacturer is who they’ve done work for in the past. If your aluminium supplier has worked for well-known or brand-name organisations in your community – and those parties are satisfied with the company’s performance – chances are you’ll be in for a good experience too!
What is the quality of their aluminium products?
If fellow community members rave about their experiences with an aluminium company, the next step is to visit sites where their aluminium products have been installed. Ask to see the products themselves, and test them – assessing their strength and general appearance.
What about custom aluminium projects?
When it comes to structural aluminium projects, there’s no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Your aluminium door or aluminium window requirements are completely different to the next person’s, so your aluminium provider should be able to offer you a completely customised project – addressing your specific requirements with bespoke solutions.