How product innovation and testing combine to deliver profitability

Did you know that technology has advanced more in the construction industry over the last 100 years than in all the previous centuries? The innate curiosity of man to shed light on the challenges that surround him has been – and will continue to be – the primary driver of the most important technical advances in construction.

From the invention of mobile tower cranes and the discovery of fibre glass insulation to the development of computer-aided design (CAD) systems, these milestones could not have happened if the necessary innovation and research & development (R&D) processes had not received significant support from both public and private organisations.

Despite all that has been said regarding the increasing demands for compliance, stringent safety standards and the challenges these bring for manufacturers who want to introduce new product innovations to the market ahead of their competitors, there is good news; construction product manufacturers are not alone when making this journey from a good idea to innovation.

The importance of innovation

Innovation – or the use of the word – has been adopted to cover a multitude of developments, but as David Ogilvy (advertising guru and founder of Ogilvy & Mather) said: “In the modern world of business, it is useless to be an original creative thinker unless you can also sell what you create.” So, how can ‘innovators’ move from an original creative thought to a money-making innovation while being compliant and showing their clients (and investors) that they have ticked all the safety and assessment needs?

That’s easy; they can achieve this by working with trusted third-party partners such as the BBA in assessing and testing these creations from R&D to launch stage.

At the BBA the drivers for testing and our work with manufacturers is not just in proving that the innovations made are rigorous and fit for use; our testing regime is also applied to the process, production, digitalisation and the workforce. This unique testing process is based on more than 35 years of development which has seen us create specialised facilities that cater to the needs of the industry. Our offering to manufacturers – both established and new – provides a full range of product testing capabilities ranging from mechanical testing for security and manipulation, durability and aesthetics, weather resistance and wind serviceability, conformance testing and fit-for-purpose, type testing – right through to reliable and conclusive failure analysis.

As the future of product development for construction product manufacturers evolves and grows, it is essential that businesses understand the importance of buying into innovation as an ongoing policy; working with experts to achieve long-lasting, money-making changes – turning good ideas into a reality.