The world of building product manufacturing is constantly evolving, demanding not just innovation but also efficiency and sustainability. For companies crafting everything from windows and doors to curtain walls and elevators, the challenge lies in connecting architectural vision with precise manufacturing processes.
To stay competitive, they’re investing in digital tools that further bridge design and production, streamline workflows, and drive smarter decision-making. These technologies are not just about meeting today’s challenges—they’re about shaping a more efficient and sustainable future.
Let’s dive into the market trends and explore key use cases driving some of Canada’s top industry leaders to invest in specific technology.
A Closer Look at Building Product Manufacturing Today
Building product manufacturers are incredibly diverse, yet they share a common goal: balancing quality with efficiency. We’ve had the privilege of working with companies, helping them tackle projects ranging from mission-critical consoles to architectural facades. Each brings a unique perspective, but their stories highlight broader industry trends:
- Doors and Windows: When it comes to doors and windows, precision and scalability are everything. Manufacturers are using technology to make their operations smoother, faster, and more reliable. They’re stepping up to meet the demand for customized, energy-efficient designs without compromising on quality.
- Lifts and Elevators: Companies need innovative solutions that improve both the quality of their products and the speed at which projects get done. By adopting smarter manufacturing processes, they’re delivering safer, more accessible options that customers love.
- Exterior Finishes and Facades: From dynamic curtain walls to distinctive architectural features, manufacturers are driving creativity and innovation in the design and production of exterior finishes. Companies in this space are exploring new materials, sustainable practices, and precision manufacturing techniques to meet the evolving demands of modern architecture while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in building design.
What Building Product Manufacturers Are Solving Today
Just like their unique industries, building products manufacturers are tackling a diverse range of challenges, and the solutions often come down to smarter tools, better collaboration, and finding time for what matters most. Here’s how we’ve helped some of our clients reshape their operations:
- Saving Time on Shop and Fabrication Drawings
Imagine cutting the time it takes to create shop and fabrication drawings in half. That’s not just an efficiency gain—it’s an opportunity to shift resources to innovation and client service. By embracing Revit and advanced 3D drawing automation, companies are streamlining repetitive tasks and focusing on what drives value.
- Bridging the Gap Between Architecture and Manufacturing
It’s no secret that architectural and manufacturing workflows often feel worlds apart. This disconnect can slow down projects, create errors, and add complexity. We’ve worked with manufacturers to bridge this gap, aligning design intent with manufacturing precision so teams can collaborate more effectively.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) Management
An accurate BOM is the backbone of efficient manufacturing. Automating this process eliminates errors and ensures your team has everything they need to move forward without delay.
- Seeing the Bigger Picture with Better Project Management
When project visibility improves, so does decision-making. Tools that centralize information and provide real-time insights have given office staff the ability to oversee projects and processes with clarity, fostering stronger communication and accountability. Connected data visualization tools take this a step further, enabling decision-makers to instantly visualize data from across the organization, supply chain, and external stakeholders—leading to smarter, more informed decisions.
- Sustainability as a Strategic Advantage
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a competitive edge. By reducing waste in materials and energy and meeting regulatory requirements, building product manufacturers are not just playing a role in reducing environmental impact but setting new standards for excellence, and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
- Connecting the Dots with ERP Integration
From inventory tracking to cost controls, integrating tools with ERP systems has brought transparency and precision to critical areas like accounting and financial management. It’s not just about managing resources; it’s about optimizing them.
For example: platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Fusion Manage, and blanket system called ERP allow manufacturers to seamlessly connect CAD designs, BOM management, finance, and inventory tracking. These integrations help bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring that every department, from engineering to HR, operates efficiently.
The diagram below illustrates how different tools work together in a manufacturing process, streamlining collaboration across internal and external teams and improving project management.
The Future of Building Manufacturing
What excites us most about this industry is its potential. With technology evolving rapidly, building product manufacturers have the opportunity to redefine how they work—creating not just products but also processes that are smarter, more sustainable, and more connected.
It’s about finding the balance between tradition and innovation, between precision and creativity. And most importantly, it’s about creating space—whether that’s physical space, like the structures they contribute to, or metaphorical space, like the time to innovate and grow.
Whether you’re crafting custom facades or redefining the elevator experience, the tools and strategies you use today shape the possibilities of tomorrow. Let’s keep the conversation going. What challenges are you facing, and where do you see the next big shift in building manufacturing?
How SolidCAD Can Help Shape the Future of Building Manufacturing
At SolidCAD, we help Canadian building product manufacturers embrace innovation, optimize workflows, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. From automating shop drawings, BOM Management to integrating ERP systems, our team provides the tools and expertise to drive smarter manufacturing.
Ready to take your operations to the next level? Contact us today to learn how we can help you streamline your processes, improve collaboration, and future-proof your business.