Collaboration: The key to success

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”  - Henry Ford

In the dynamic world of cabinetmaking and shopfitting, where precision, innovation, and efficiency reign supreme, collaboration is the key to success. For Planit Australia, partnerships with a wide range of related suppliers and industry bodies have always been instrumental in their journey towards ever-higher levels of excellence serving their customers. The invaluable relationships Planit Australia has cultivated with machine companies, hardware suppliers, board suppliers, education and training organisations, and industry bodies have not only transformed Planit Australia's business but, more importantly, have also contributed significantly to the overall growth and innovation within the woodworking and cabinetry sector.

This collaboration allows individuals and businesses to combine their unique skills, knowledge, and expertise, leading to more innovative and effective solutions to complex problems, as different perspectives contribute to a broader and deeper understanding of issues. Planit Australia has taken this approach for nearly 40 years and is utterly committed to continuing to leverage their skills and knowledge in conjunction with their partners to take the cabinetmaking industry into the future.

When people from a wide range of professional backgrounds and with different experiences come together, they can generate a broader range of ideas. This diversity of thought often leads to creative solutions and innovations that might not have been possible in isolation and has helped maintain Planit Australia’s position as the market-leading supplier of software solutions to the cabinetmaking and wider woodworking sectors.

Collaborating with partners from different backgrounds, industries, or regions can provide a broader perspective on customer needs and preferences. These diverse insights help Planit Australia gain a more comprehensive understanding of their customer base, and tailor solutions to front-run new and emerging demands from the industry. Market trends and preferences can change rapidly, especially in dynamic markets such as ours. These long-established partnerships allow Planit Australia to adapt and respond more quickly to these changes and developments, an agility that has been essential for staying ahead of and leading their competition. All this leads to consistent and high-quality customer service, crucial for building trust, loyalty and delivering continued and increasing value to customers.

Planit Australia's close and ongoing collaborations with machine companies such as Biesse, Multicam, SCM, Woodtech, Woodtron and others have been game-changers in the woodworking industry. These partnerships have resulted in the seamless integration of Planit's software solutions with the latest CNC machinery, offering cabinetmakers and shopfitters a comprehensive and efficient production process.

The integration of Planit's software with CNC machines from the entire spectrum available to the Australian market has led to unparalleled precision and efficiency in manufacturing operations. The software's ability to communicate seamlessly with the machines ensures that designs are translated accurately into finished products. This has not only reduced material wastage but has also minimised production time, increasing overall productivity.

Collaboration with machine companies has allowed Planit to develop automation solutions that cater to the unique needs of customers. From intricate custom cabinetry to large-scale production, these partnerships have enabled the creation of automation solutions that can be tailored to suit the requirements of any project. This level of customisation empowers customers to bring their creative visions to life.

The partnership between Planit Australia and machine companies is built on a foundation of continuous innovation. Regular updates and enhancements to the software ensure that it remains compatible with and able to fully exploit the latest advancements in CNC machinery. This adaptability keeps customers at the forefront of technology, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

This year alone, Planit Australia has had the privilege and pleasure of being invited to machine open houses across the country, as well as constantly working hand-in-glove with their machine partners.

Hardware is the backbone of any cabinetry project, and Planit Australia recognises the importance of collaborating with leading hardware suppliers to provide comprehensive solutions to its customers. Partnerships with suppliers such as Blum, Hafele, Hettich, Lincoln Sentry, Nover, Wilson & Bradley, and others, have resulted in a harmonious fusion of software and hardware expertise.

Through these collaborations, Planit Australia can offer its customers access to a vast array of high-quality hardware data, including detailed and accurate 3D models, load calculations and accommodate a huge number of relevant variables. Whether it's hinges, drawer runners, handles, or fittings, customers can choose from a wide selection of options to suit their project's requirements.

Integration between Planit's software and hardware suppliers' systems has simplified the ordering and inventory management process. Customers can easily select and calculate quantities of the required componentry directly through the software, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that the right components are always in stock.

Collaboration with hardware suppliers allows Planit Australia to incorporate the latest hardware innovations into its software solutions prior to market-release. Cabinetmakers can experiment with new hardware designs and configurations, giving them greater design flexibility and the ability to offer unique solutions to their clients.

One of the most significant and exciting developments for Planit Australia in 2023 has been partnering with Mr Raymond Johns and launching the Solid Setup Plus suite of data solutions designed specifically for our industry.

Board suppliers play a crucial role in the woodworking industry, providing the raw materials needed for cabinetry and furniture projects. Planit Australia's partnerships with board suppliers like Laminex, NAV, and Polytec have been instrumental in ensuring that customers have access to a wide range of materials and finishes to bring their designs to life.

One of the key benefits of collaborating with board suppliers is the integration of their material libraries into Planit's software solutions. This feature allows woodworkers to visualise their designs with different materials and finishes, helping clients make informed decisions and achieve the desired aesthetic for their projects.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, partnerships with environmentally conscious board suppliers have enabled Planit Australia to support the industry in making eco-friendly choices. By providing access to sustainable materials, these collaborations align with the industry's growing commitment to responsible practices.

Education and training are the cornerstones of skill development in the woodworking industries. Planit Australia's collaborations with educational institutions such as TAFEs, universities, and commercial Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have been vital in nurturing the next generation of woodworking professionals.

Planit's partnerships with educational institutions facilitate the integration of its software into cabinetmaking and shopfitting curriculums. This allows students to gain hands-on experience with industry-leading software, preparing them for successful careers in woodworking and cabinetry.

Cabinetmaking is an ever-evolving field, and Planit's collaborations with educational organisations ensure that students and apprentices have access to up-to-date knowledge and skills. Regular training sessions and workshops keep students and industry professionals informed about the latest software advancements and industry best-practices.

By partnering with educational institutions, Planit Australia actively participates in industry engagement initiatives. This includes subsidising software, open house events, and industry advisory boards, fostering a close relationship between the software provider and the future workforce of the woodworking industries in Australia.

Planit Australia's involvement with industry bodies such as the Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association (AWISA), the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA), the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi), and the Cabinet Makers Association of Western Australia (CMAWA), among others, strengthens our community as a whole.

Partnerships with these industry bodies allow Planit Australia to actively advocate for the interests of cabinetmaking professionals. This includes participating in discussions on industry standards, regulations, and technological advancements that impact the sector.

Through its involvement with industry bodies, Planit Australia provides cabinetmakers and partners with valuable networking opportunities. These interactions facilitate knowledge-sharing, business collaborations, and the exchange of ideas that are so critical to and drive industry growth.

Collaboration with industry bodies results in the development of educational resources and programs that benefit cabinetmaking professionals. These resources include webinars, conferences, and publications that keep the industry informed about the latest trends and technologies.

Planit Australia is a sponsor of and contributor to these bodies and recommends joining the relevant organisation to all it’s customers, recognising the multiplied benefits to their customers of engaging with their peers and the broader industry.

In a similar vein, Planit Australia offers customers and industry partners access to webinars, tech days, their annual Planit Experience events and online Nexus community forums.

Planit Australia's collaborations and partnerships with machine companies, hardware suppliers, board suppliers, education and training organisations, and industry bodies have transformed the cabinetmaking industry in Australia. These partnerships have not only facilitated the integration of cutting-edge technology into design and manufacturing processes but have also fostered a sense of community and collaboration within the sector. Through these invaluable relationships, Planit Australia continues to empower customers and fellow industry professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving industry, driving innovation, efficiency, and excellence.