Every business is unique. Even if you fabricate the same products as the shop down the street, you probably don’t do it in quite the same way. That’s why off-the-shelf software often falls short. It might work “well enough,” but it rarely feels like a perfect fit. And in the glass industry, “well enough” usually means hours lost to workarounds, errors and frustration.
Custom-configured software, which A+W offers, is a different story. It’s designed to bend to your processes, not the other way around. You don’t have to change how your team works. You just have to be willing to take a closer look at what’s working, what’s not working and where software can help you be more efficient, transparent and scalable.
But even with all the benefits laid out, that lingering fear still shows up: “What if our team can’t adapt? What if the software is too complicated? What if we lose data? What if the downtime hurts us? What if this isn’t the right software after all? What if it causes customers to leave? What if…”
So, how do you manage the fear of change?
- Choose a partner, not just a product
The right software provider isn’t just selling you a system—they’re walking beside you through implementation, training, and beyond. Look for a team that speaks your language (bonus points if they know the glass, window, or door world) like A+W’s people do, listens to your concerns, and doesn’t rush you. - Get buy-in early and often
Involve your team from the beginning. Ask operators, managers, and office staff (key stakeholders and influencers) where their pain points/bottlenecks are and invite them to test and provide feedback on the new system. - Take it step by step
Don’t try to implement everything at once. A good rollout plan will break the process into manageable phases. You might start with the server installation, move to data input, then production tracking, scheduling, inventory, or delivery, etc. Your business is unique as are the installation phases. Engage in honest conversation with your software provider. - Expect a learning curve and plan for it
Yes, there will be hiccups. And yes, someone will accidentally enter the wrong order. That’s normal. Make sure training is thorough, support is easily accessible and expectations are realistic. - Focus on what you’re gaining
Whether it’s better inventory accuracy, fewer remakes, relieving bottlenecks or real-time visibility/tracking into your shop-floor activities, keep your eyes on the prize. Talk openly about the wins as they happen and celebrate the people making those improvements possible.
Customising your software doesn’t mean turning your company upside down. It means building a stronger foundation under what already works. The fear might never disappear entirely, but with the right mindset, partner and plan, it becomes something you can manage, not something that holds you back.