Effective R&D for Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB)
Effective R&D for Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB)
Pre-engineered buildings or PEBs have gained recognition in developing nations in recent years. While they have been around for quite some time now, the growing popularity has come with their improving economy, flexibility and durability. In less developed nations, where lack of transport and high-cost of construction act as roadblocks to progress, PEB manufacturers are spreading their wings to every segment of the commercial and industrial building. They are also exploring possibilities in the residential sector and hotels with some success.
Index-
1.Advantages of PEBs
2.Need for R&D
3.PEB outlook in India
4.The future
Advantages of PEBs
PEB manufacturers have left no stone unturned in their quest to widen their markets. Despite requiring multiple parts, PEBs are today easy to construct and precise in terms of measurements and readings. They are also expandable and customizable to suit various types of design requirements. Finally PEBs are easy to dismantle and transport them to other locations without loss. These benefits come at 30-40% lower costing than traditional construction. Off-site construction provides high standards in terms of strength too. Moreover, it takes a shorter time to bring a building to life from its blueprint – and at lower labor costs. Different structural accessories like mezzanine floors, canopies, facias, interior partitions etc. can be added up with PEBs. They can also be made water proof. This versatile building system is obviously advantageous over conventional buildings. Other factors like fire, earthquake, termite and corrosion resistance, as well as geological specification-based customization, etc. further prove the mettle of PEBs.
Ensuring Effective R&D
PEB Manufacturers continue to see an influx in demand from various sectors globally as developing countries open up to investors. However, as local expertise is limited, there is greater need for research and development (R&D) to make installation easier and ‘idiot proof’. This is both a challenge and advantage. While the challenge is in the difficulty level of developing appropriate PEBs, the big advantage is that PEBs don’t need on-site construction. The on-site data and specification, once collected, can simply be forwarded to the manufacturing unit for development fabrication, and transported when ready. For effective R&D, PEB design engineers need in-depth understanding of local conditions. PEBs at different locations require different configurations in terms of weight, depth, material thickness, weight, etc. due to different geographies. The purpose for which the PEB is being erected is another critical factor. PEBs for heavy industries would need more processing than those for warehouses, storage facilities, etc. Thus, proper homework is necessary before pressing the ‘manufacture’ button to prevent later heartburn or disaster.
PEB outlook in India
- Global Recognition
Better R&D leads to better global recognition. As an offshoot, market development and new business processes also weigh in.
- Scope for Innovation
Better R&D opens roads to innovations and developing ‘the first in the segment’ products and technologies.
- Attracting Investments
Success follows where quality and innovation co-exist. Companies investing in R & D also attract investors.
The future
With technology stepping ahead by the day, effective R&D is a prerequisite for many business. Major companies venturing in this sector have made the smart move of pairing up with internationally acclaimed PEB brands to gain advantage from their R&D capabilities. Examples include tie-ups of Reliance Industries with Mammut Group and JSW Building Systems with Sever field Reeve Structures of UK,. In the foreseeable future, the major demand for PEBs in the Asia Pacific region will ride on the shoulders of India and China. In India, a growing population, need for economic growth, emphasis on Make in India, and government investments and demand for low-cost green buildings have paved the way for greater focus on the PEB segment. For international PEB Manufacturers, this diversity of need as well as geography, have made competing brands to focus on R&D as an inseparable part of their strategic vision..