It’s a brave new world when it comes to the advent of business technology for kitchen and bath design firms, with a relentless array of cutting-edge tools creating opportunities as well as challenges for companies forced to juggle sales, design and marketing initiatives with client communications, project management and internal business functions.
Both the opportunities and the challenges are vividly reflected in the findings of a comprehensive new Kitchen & Bath Design News survey, which revealed that design firms of all sizes, niches and specialties are employing an ever-expanding palette of technology tools as the market, the workplace, the consumer – and technology itself – continue to evolve.
KBDN’s nationwide poll found, for example, that smart phones, laptop computers, design software, video conferencing and tablets/iPads are among the widening array of high-tech tools that are commonly used by kitchen/bath dealers and designers, a significant number of whom also report the use of product-ordering and project-management software, flat-screen TVs to showcase designs, virtual and augmented reality, and contact management and marketing software.
Mobile apps have similarly become an essential tool for design firms, as have programs that enable online purchases and the use of digital-focused marketing initiatives such as social media, email campaigns and paid online searches. Dealers and designers report, too, that they also routinely update company websites, research products, watch videos, download apps and post opinions in forums and blogs, among other online functions.
But although the use of business technology is apparently widespread, and growing, KBDN’s survey also revealed that a sizable number of design firms have yet to adopt – or have no plans to adopt – many of the latest innovations. Some say they’re unconvinced of the benefits of additional technology. Others cite the learning curve and expense required to effectively implement new business tools, and the tech-driven need to be “on” 24/7. KBDN’s survey found, at the same time, that more user- friendly and intuitive products – along with better support and more effective integration with other software and platforms – are among the improvements that are most sought after by kitchen/bath design firms reluctant to jump with both feet on the technology bandwagon.
When viewed through an objective lens, there are doubtless many ways that business technology can help kitchen/bath design firms manage time, create greater efficiencies and expand their market outreach. Cloud-based communication tools and mobile apps, for example, can allow employees to more effectively work together, both on site and remotely. Automated inventory tracking software can help maintain just-in-time supply chains. Digital data storage can simplify the retrieval of important documents. Project management software can help keep installers, subcontractors and others on the same page. Customer-facing business apps can assist in increasing sales, boosting customer retention and improving how designers interact with customers.
Design firms looking to compete in today’s rapidly changing market need to actively identify technology solutions that can propel their business forward – aligning, at the same time, with vendors that provide cutting- edge experiences such as modern app interfaces. Design firms also need, if necessary, to utilize the services of technology integrators who are well versed in the technical issues and training difficulties that companies typically face.
Being able to overcome challenges has always been a hallmark of resilience and success in the kitchen and bath design trade. Business technology is no exception.
While technological aptitude will never supplant a company’s reputation, talent, communication skills, product knowledge and other essentials, technology shortcomings can prevent companies from achieving and maintaining a competitive advantage. At the same time, the willingness to embrace technological innovations will doubtless become increasingly important in the future, especially with the advent of remote offices, hybrid work arrangements and the incursion of an expansive new generation of younger, tech-savvy clients.
Efficiently implementing business technology can set a business apart from its competition. In contrast, design firms that fail to implement the latest technology will doubtless have a hard time competing with companies that are more forward-thinking and up to date. ▪