Gulf Construction Online - Hawa's website gets a facelift

Ceilings, Floors & Partitions

Hawa's website gets a facelift

01 February 2006

Swiss sliding hardware specialist Hawa has completely redesigned its website, with a view to extending its services by introducing two new modules, the Hawa-Systemplanner and the Hawa-Productfinder.

“This is very much to the benefit of Hawa's business partners, who can now quickly and easily configure complete sliding systems online and access detailed information on individual products,” says a company spokesperson. “Using the Internet not only as a company ‘showcase’, but also as a virtual colleague and employee makes this modern medium even more versatile.”
“Following the ‘facelift’, the website is now even clearer and more user-friendly. In addition to the latest developments at Hawa, the webside also includes interesting facts on the sliding hardware specialists, the company's history, philosophy and products, as well as details of reference projects and sales partners. Whether for product research or the online configuration of sliding systems – everyone can now get it done quicker,” she points out.

Available round the clock
She continues: “Every architect and fabricator will have experienced this problem: the customer wants a sliding door system, one that can be installed quickly and efficiently; but a standard solution just will not do, it has to have appeal and be made-to-measure. And they want it now. Up until now, this has been a sheer impossible task, as even the most experienced joiner, metal worker or glazier would first have to work his way through catalogues, comparing specifications and searching for the right solution. Even using the most modern communication methods available, he would still need a few hours to compile the documentation needed for a quote.
“But now, it is possible in the twinkling of an eye, thanks to the Hawa-Systemplanner und Hawa-Productfinder – and they work around the clock and at weekends, too. The 'virtual staff' does not go home after work and are available to our business partners and guests anytime, day or night.”

Hawa-Systemplanner
An easy-to-use system, the Hawa-Systemplanner can be used by anyone with confidence within a few minutes of getting accustomed to it. The parameters required to design a sliding wall (hardware system, type of material, stacking or folding method, etc.) are compiled by systematic query. The user is guided through the menu in a few easy steps whilst being provided with information and technical features of his sliding hardware system. Deciding whether the sliding door should be stacked to the left or right of the parking area, the type of lock the customer wants, how thick the panels should be and in what material – one click is enough to design step by step an individual sliding or folding wall in any technically feasible size and configuration, she points out.
“But that is not all: the system designed online is presented three-dimensionally in the virtual showroom, showing immediately on screen what the customer can expect. Customers can see animated doors sliding to and fro, being folded and then stacked either in parallel or at an angle of 90 degrees. Backgrounds can be blended in for any sliding or folding system containing glass elements. The viewer can look through them to see a shop premises, an office or a terrace, to get an impression of how the system will look in its intended environment.
“However, that would only be half the job without the extensive download area: once the user has configured his system and chosen doors, locks, and other accessories, he can then easily and quickly download the complete materials list in PDF format to his PC – and will not forget a single screw or track when placing his order. CAD drawings, processing lists, drawings for blanks, panel lists and assembly instructions can also be downloaded to the desk at home. Even fabricators and builders with little internet experience will quickly be able to exploit the potential of the Hawa-Systemplanner and will soon not want to do without their new and helpful ‘planning employee’.

Hawa-Productfinder
“The second highlight on the new Hawa website, the Hawa-Productfinder, is clearly arranged and offers Hawa customers, fabricators and even end-users a chance to wander through the world of Hawa hardware systems and take a good look at the Swiss specialists’ entire portfolio – on the one hand, an invaluable aid when searching for specific systems and accessories required for project realisation, and on the other a source of inspiration. Whether hardware for sliding doors, sliding shutters or partition walls made of wood, glass or metal – the Hawa-Productfinder can provide any information imaginable. Even those who are not yet well acquainted with the Hawa range will find the right hardware for their application. Comprehensible product descriptions convey the basic knowledge required in the shortest time and offer many an idea for the realisation of creative layout and design solutions using various hardware systems.”
Again, visitors to the website are guided through the process step by step. No matter whether his interest is aimed at stackable sliding doors and partitioning walls made from wood, glass or metal, or at sliding shutters or sliding furniture solutions - the Hawa-Productfinder provides detailed information on the suitable hardware. A simple click is all it takes to display the selected article on screen – including a photo, application examples and technical specifications. The interested visitor is also provided with complete product information. Order details, planning and assembly instructions, and a download area for CAD drawings, brochures, supply sources and references round off the service package.
“User-friendly, convenient and economic through saving time, Hawa-Systemplanner and Hawa-Productfinder will soon establish themselves as useful instruments for working, planning and providing information. They are a strong addition to the extensive range of services provided by Hawa and of great benefit to the company’s customers, architects, designers and fitters. End users searching for sliding solutions or ideas will also soon feel at home with the new additions. They will find many inspiring application examples on the Hawa website and can ‘run through’ even very complex sliding solutions. And they have their joiner, glazier or metalworker to take care of the practical side of things,” the spokeswoman concludes.