Customer experiences

They have knowledge about software and about doors & windows.

Ed de Groot
Kumij Windows & Doors

Understanding of things

Developing software for the window and facade industry requires more than software skills. "That's what I like about the makers of Opticalc: they understand window frames," says director Ed de Groot of Kumij in Groningen. The company has been using the Opticalc software for thirty years. "I'm guessing that we are just about the oldest customer using Opticalc," says De Groot. "From the start we were enthusiastic about the software. We only had one concern: the software was delivered and maintained by a very small company. That is exciting. What if something happens to one of the key people? But now Opticalc is supplied by Matrix Software. We have the best of both worlds: the whizzkids from that time are still behind the software. And with Matrix there is a robust, solid organization behind. "Opticalc automates all departments in both trading companies and production companies, such as Kumij, with one totally integrated solution. The company supports companies from quotation request up to and including financial reporting. It is a so-called open system, so that virtually every database can be used.

Knowledge

What De Groot really likes is that "the makers of Opticalc know what window frames and doors & windows are. I do not have to explain to a developer what a water slot is. He understands that right away and then asks me "And at what distance do you want to have the slots?" And that's how I am talking to a doors & window expert. "The director sometimes admits to other programs. "But our window frames are so specific, that did not fit into the framework of that software. Take the fact that our window frames rotate in and out - only Opticalc can handle it properly. "Kumij uses modules for design, calculation, work preparation and production. Precisely the integration of all these components offers advantages. "It makes production efficient, prevents mistakes and keeps costs down", says De Groot. It is also pleasant that the software can be integrated into other programs. "Opticalc is very user-friendly for our technically oriented employees. I understand that a layman can do very little with it, but anyone who understands window frames can read and write with it. "

Customization

Matrix Software currently provides for the connection of the software to AX Dynamics, the ERP system for which the Rollecate Group (which Kumij is part of) chose. In addition, Matrix cut the software when it comes to purchasing new machines. "We went around the table with the machine builder and Matrix. As a result, the software is precisely tailored to those machine lines. "De Groot is just as satisfied with Matrix as about the software. "It is organized tightly and customer-friendly. Also important: Matrix continues to invest in the software. This is necessary because our company and technology change continuously. And so we are looking for a partner that changes with us. "

About Kumij

Kumij is based in Groningen and is part of the Rollecate Group, a leading manufacturer of plastic frames, which supplies and installs its frames throughout the Netherlands. The high-quality plastic frames are used in renovation and new construction projects for housing corporations, contractors, architects and owners' associations. Kumij's flexible project organization has more than 120 employees and has more than 55 years of experience in providing customized solutions in the area of window frames. Attention is paid to profiling, detailing and construction, but also to building coordination, residents' information and delivery.

I grew up with the Matrix Software packages

Rick van Houten
director Timboco

Modern joinery factory

“We added robotization to our production process at the beginning of 2021,” says director Rick van Houten. “We now have one of the most modern carpentry factories in the Netherlands, with a fully automated CNC processing center, an automatic short planning line and a gluing robot and spraying robot. This guarantees suitable connections, uniform layer thicknesses and constant product quality. Together with customers and suppliers, such as Matrix Software, we are constantly working to fine-tune systems even better. A good example is our BIM developments; whereas 90% of timber frame construction projects are now carried out in BIM, the attention to BIM in frame projects is also growing. Also illustrative is our spraying robot, the control of which we have tested in close collaboration with Matrix Software. How do wishes and possibilities come together optimally?”

Create reliable quotes quickly

Timboco has been using Matrix Software software for thirteen years. Van Houten is not even used to anything else. “I grew up with the Matrix software packages and now know them from A to Z,” he says. “This allows us to get the most out of the software. The basis of the packages is good, and we use them from the calculation and quotation phase up to and including the CNC machine control.” New customers and requests are entered directly into the MatrixProject ERP/MRP software package and assessed by Van Houten. “Then the quotation process follows,” he says. “Firstly, we create a quotation number, after which all window frame data is entered in MatrixKozijn. From widths to heights, intermediate posts, sills, windows and doors, on the basis of which material lists, hours and prices can be easily generated. This allows us to make reliable quotations very quickly.”

Accurate tuning

As soon as a quotation becomes an order, Timboco processes it in the ERP system. “Then our work planner takes care of the further detailing of the products in MatrixKozijn. The big advantage of this production software is that we can also classify series and badges. This allows us to accurately coordinate with our customers which materials and quantities are needed at what time. In addition, a link has been made with MatrixKozijn CNC for machine control.”

Integrated package

“By opting for one integrated software package and one supplier for all process steps, we guarantee that systems function optimally,” emphasizes Van Houten. “Noise or problems due to malfunctioning links are not an issue.”

Practical men

Timmerfabriek Timboco is very satisfied with the software and the support provided by Matrix Software. “The product managers and software engineers who visit us are very practical men,” says Van Houten. “They are familiar with our products and understand what we are against, so we can spar well. We would like to see the planning options expanded further, for example, with a self-learning planning overview. After all, planning is the most difficult part of the construction column, especially for joinery factories. We are completely dependent on the contractor. When should we deliver which products? And in what numbers? What does this mean for our production? It is precisely a package such as MatrixKozijn, which has all relevant information, that could elaborate on this.”

About Timboco

Timmerfabriek Timboco was founded in 1978 by Fokke van Houten. With his son, Rick van Houten, the second generation is now at the helm of the family business, which produces wooden frames, windows and doors and timber-frame construction elements, particularly for residential construction, from new construction to renovation from ground-level homes to apartment buildings. A team of 45 professionals is committed to making the most beautiful products daily. But also, to guarantee consistent quality.

Since 1978 Timmerfabriek Timboco has been the address for wooden frames, windows, doors, and timber frame construction elements. The medium-sized carpentry factory in Drachten pays maximum attention to quality, innovation, and cooperation. But also, efficient work processes. Automation and robotization play an essential role in this.

From quotation work to CNC control, with Matrix it is all efficiency

Nico Wiersma
Carpentry factory WHB Sneek

Matrix makes it easy

Nico Wiersma can not imagine how he could ever work without the Matrix software. The director and co-founder of WHB Sneek Timmerfabriek now knows from experience how much time and cost the use of Matrix saves him. "Since we opted for MatrixKozijn, the efficiency of the entire production process has improved considerably. Moreover, the risk of errors is reduced to a minimum. An important advantage of our prefabricated products and that is what our customers think too!"

Automation is a must

Wiersma does not hide his enthusiasm about his choice for Matrix. "In the beginning we worked without software. Believe it or not, we then made quotations in Word and had to calculate the door, window and glass sizes themselves. But that did not last long. We noticed that competitors who automate quickly took the lead. So we purchased MatrixKozijn within a year of our start. And we have not regretted it for a second. It was, of course, an investment, but a very good one!"

Flexible software

Manual calculation and quotation work has not been available for Wiersma ever since. "MatrixKozijn just has everything on board to make it easy for us. And the beauty is, it works just the same for everyone. I mention something: where the one chooses standard for slot A, the other person prefers slot B in his doors. If you enter that type of details and preferences neatly for the first time, you fill in your software with data as it were. And the longer you work with that software, the 'richer' he becomes. Eventually it becomes a kind of library, from which you can generate all kinds of data quickly. Plus a constant price. A frame tender for a complete house you do in about half an hour. Complete with neat order confirmation on an A4 paper."

Dutch window frames tailored to the CNC machine

For several years WHB Sneek has a CNC-controlled machining center. A machine that is standard equipped with its own factory software. "But we did not think that was useful," Wiersma says. "The chance of errors when transferring data is considerable. And you're just doing double work. You can immediately see that in the extra man hours, while your machine is also stationary. We have therefore chosen to equip our CNC machine with MatrixKozijn CNC, especially for wooden frames. This means that everything is perfectly coordinated. The drawings from MatrixKozijn go to the customer for inspection and after approval we send them to the CNC machine for production. Speaking of efficiency ..."

Open for improvement

Although the Matrix software is very user-friendly, not everyone can work with WHB Sneek. "You have to get a good look at it," says Wiersma, "and that time can not just be missed by our employees. Is also not necessary, because who wants to know something can call the helpdesk of Matrix unlimited. Especially at the start we had almost daily questions, then we were always called back the same day. Because I work daily with Matrix, I also notice immediately what can be done better. The link for control of the counter is such an improvement point. Or the integration of finger welding, for lengths that do not fit on our machine. Matrix is ​​completely open to that and if it can do something, she can do something with it."

About Timmerabriek WHB Sneek

Timmerfabriek WHB Sneek is a real family business. Founded in 2008 by the two cousins ​​Wiersma, the company is known as a reliable partner for small construction companies and self-employed entrepreneurs. In our own factory a small but driven team produces high-quality window frames, windows and doors to size and delivers them with or without glass. In addition, environmentally-friendly wood species are used extensively. WHB Sneek has everything it takes to deliver not only large batches, but also small series and even individuals in ever-changing sizes. The specialists at WHB Sneek know and exploit the infinite application possibilities of wood as a building material for residential and non-residential building projects. Thanks to this extensive expertise, clients know that they can always expect the highest quality. The products of WHB Sneek are successfully applied in the most diverse new construction and renovation projects.

From calculation to CNC machine control: it's all in one effort

Jochem van der Linden
Director Carpentry company Van der Linden

Just good is not good enough

Mechanical carpentry company Van der Linden and Matrix know each other through and through. When Van der Linden started to automate more than 30 years ago, the choice on Matrix. "We would like to show that the carpentry business is still in full swing development is without losing the charm of the trade. Of each carpentry challenge, we create craftsmanship. The question we always ask ourselves: "Would we also make it like it was for ourselves?" Because with less than it we just do not take pleasure. That also applies to the materials, the machines and - yes, the software we use. "

Choosing with reason and feeling

For director Jochem van der Linden it is not up for discussion: "Without smart software you can no longer exercise this profession. You always have a sequel software needed to make calculations. And for that choice are not determine only the objective possibilities, but also where you feel the best you have. Software requires a serious investment in both time and money. You therefore choose a supplier for a longer period of time. "

Time savings through efficiency

Van der Linden works with MatrixKozijn and is very enthusiastic about it. "Calculation, work preparation and drawing room, they can all be done with the software to work. For us the most important functionalities are in it. The links are logical and efficient, so that we can save a lot of time in that area. Moreover, we limit the error margins of all kinds of technical calculations to one minimum.
In short, it means that the software converts our calculation to an order confirmation and then to the work preparation. Via extra modules we can then transfer the required data to the machines. "

Give and take

Of course there is always something to be desired. "A matter of giving and take it ", says Van der Linden. "We sometimes encounter situations in which MatrixKozijn is not completely foreseen. It stays with slanted and round frames still difficult to technically get the drawing right. For example, if we have one draw a framework and hang a floodfill, you have to meet certain conditions meet. Otherwise you have a problem with glazing beads and the like. The solution is to manually add the relevant data. So via We do get everything that we do, but I think it is still here opportunities for Matrix. We know that the renewed module for arched and round window frames will soon appear. We expect a lot from that.

Always up-to-date

Matrix regularly provides updates to be constantly up-to-date stay. "We install it as quickly as possible," says Van der Linden. "Already stick sometimes there are childhood diseases. Often it is a generic problem, that Immediately grasp the matrix in 95% of the cases and have it followed by a new one update. In general, the updates are clear enough and we do not have any training needed. Otherwise we call the helpdesk. There are people who are very well know what they are talking about. "

About Van der Linden

Mechanical joinery Van der Linden is a no-nonsense family business, that is already since 1974 commitment to perfect and beautiful carpentry. Quality always stands first and foremost, the bar is high, whether it concerns complex customization or series work. From der Linden works with passion for both contractors and private individuals. Because all more than 20 employees are all-round professionals, the company has few limitations in its product range. The assignments therefore vary from window frames and doors to stairs, dormer windows, fronts, (folding) walls, fencing and more. At Van der Linden go hand in hand with entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. On the one hand it ensures high-quality machinery for unrivaled accuracy. On the other hand still manages the entire team of professionals always the old-fashioned craft. The result: carpentry where Van der Linden is proud of.

This is thé online quotation and calculation tool for doors & windows

Henk Weber
director KUFA Window systems

Two companies, one ambition

Although KUFA Window Systems is still a relatively young company, it is in the Benelux already firmly on the map as a specialist in plastic frames. In short In this area, various breakthroughs have come about and the ambitions of this frame pioneer continues. Director Henk Weber does not just want the market serve, but also initiate and anticipate new developments future needs and applications within the sector. "Innovation is for KUFA therefore no side issue but a precondition, "he says. "And there is the close one collaboration with Matrix a good example. "Since the start in 2009 makes KUFA intensive use of MatrixKozijn for the department calculation, work preparation and the CNC machine control of the production. According to Weber "A smart and balanced software program that is fast and efficient can perform some essential calculations. Only this software runs traditional on the PC, while the market at one point asked for one online application. We have raised this with Matrix and that is one of them joint initiative to create the online brother of MatrixKozijn develop. Internally we use our own product name for it, but with Matrix is called the WebKozijn. "

Calculate online from A to Z

With this online tool, individuals and resellers can go online make calculations and orders directly from KUFA. After ordering, the frames produced directly via the CNC control from MatrixKozijn. Weber: "It is a handy online quotation and calculation module, which we use manage the order process with our partners step-by-step. There they are huge helped, because often they do not have their own order or quotation system. Thanks to WebKozijn, we can easily facilitate this and that is how we are more than just a supplier of window systems. The system is everywhere available: one login code and you're in."

Stunningly simple

WebKozijn is an open and transparent system. All aspects of it order process are processed in the online step-by-step module. That makes the calculation made of plastic frames amazingly simple. "In a few simple steps you go through the process from customer request to quotation to order ", clarifies Weber. "You pass on a few things, such as dimensions, kind glass, colors of window frames and turned parts. And then the quotation rolls as it were that way. Suppose the customer adjusts a frame height, so that there is one somewhere part comes with, then immediately changes the price. We also send via WebCoach all machines within the production process. The orders are so really tailor-made and you immediately see the actual price. You can do that you immediately order accessories and other additional products. "

WebKozijn is the solution for everyone who is a regular business plastic window frames needs. "With this system, we have all the data ready to go fast able to produce and deliver. An additional advantage for our partners: they have with WebKozijn no costs for the purchase of your own calculation and offer package. That is a service from us. As a partner of KUFA you can immediately print out a ready-made offer with your own logo and within one program manage all your calculations and quotations. And do you want to be old-fashioned with us? 'Sparring' or keeping something up to the light? Then you can still use the mail request quotations and order from us. "

Discover Matrix WebKozijn at: www.matrixkozijn.eu

About KUFA

KUFA Window systems is the leading manufacturer of plastic frames. This fast-growing company, founded in 2009, provides an extensive profile and
color program, mainly to the business market (contractors, dealers and project developers). The range consists of very high-quality and attractive window frames, not only in standard versions, but also in more exclusive series. KUFA guarantees a favorable price and a 'just-in-time' system with extremely short delivery times. The quality of the window frames is guaranteed because everything is made in our own factory - from profile to end product. This also makes it possible to innovate further, which has led to, among other things the innovative single and double HVL® frame, the lifelike wood grain Realwood® and various KOMO certifications. Find the KUFA specialists constantly looking for ways to improve the products and processes. Thanks to flat organization lines are short and customers can always be fast and expertly helped.

We are in control with Matrix Software

Mathee van de Vin
Van de Vin Doors & Windows

In charge

It is a special combination that Van de Vin Windows and Frames has made with regard to automation: on the one hand the company only works with software that has been proven in practice, on the other it gives direction to the development and the company tests the latest versions of software. "This way we ensure that we are in charge, that we use automation optimally," says director Mathee van de Vin. Van de Vin has been chairman of the Dutch Association of Windows and Frames and also knows the branch well from that position. For example, he knows that the switch to new software for producers of windows and frames is no sinecure. "Think very carefully before you choose", is his advice. "Because once chosen it is difficult to still change the beacons."

More benefits

Van de Vin himself chose Matrix Software in 1988. He still knows how it went the day of yesterday. "The company had acquired the first PC two years earlier. In 1988 we were one of the first users of MatrixKozijn, the program with which we made calculations and streamlined the work preparation. It was then very much getting used to. All of a sudden, data had to be entered in detail. The time that you made an offer based on intuition was suddenly over. "At that time, Van de Vin was mainly concerned about getting accurate information about more and less work. Soon it turned out that there were many more benefits. "Thanks to MatrixKozijn and Matrix's time registration system, the chance of errors and failure costs has been reduced significantly. We also save a lot of time, although we find it so common that we hardly consider it an advantage. "Time has not stood still. Van de Vin has recently switched to a completely new machine park. "Such a switch can be a reason to look at what else is on the market, but we have never seriously considered this consideration. We are very satisfied with what we have and that is not only due to the functionality of the software. The company that supports it is also important. Matrix Software is a stable, solid company with employees that we have pleasant contact with. "

Test company

That contact has been intensified recently, because Van de Vin Windows and Frames is a test company for Matrix Software: new versions of software are judged by a limited number of users to see what is good or bad. "With the switch to the Windows version we were richly late at the time. That was a conscious choice, we wanted to know for sure that all primary errors were out. It therefore seems strange that we are now trying to work with the latest of the latest. Yet that is logical. We want to be in charge, to be at the cradle of new developments and to benefit from that in the future. This can be done by testing new programs. "Despite his satisfaction, Van de Vin still has specific wishes. "We can not process the connection between window frames and walls completely automatically, because there are far too many variations. They can not possibly be cost-effectively placed in a single database. We will continue doing so for the time being. "According to the director, reducing the number of variations is not an option. "No thinking about it, the enormous amount of possibilities is the big advantage of wooden window frames. We must cherish that." (In the meantime, Matrix Software has establised a solution for this)

About Van de Vin Windows and Frames

Van de Vin Ramen and Kozijnen in Heeze works from the realization that windows and window frames largely determine the atmosphere of a home. The company has been producing windows and frames for more than fifty years and is regarded as a 'total solution' in that area. Van de Vin supplies products thanks tot strict process and quality control. It is produced according to a proven method, of which the quality assurance system has been developed together with TNO. This system offers Van de Vin, together with an advanced machine park and advanced automation, the possibility of further innovation.

Matrix Software is a great party that is open to development

Jan Sytze van der Velde
technical director Europroyl

Extensive automation

In 2018, Europrovyl opened the Netherlands' largest and most modern plastic window frame factory. While the office is fully equipped for the New Way of Working, the 8,150 m² large production hall contains the most advanced machinery for plastic window production in the most optimal routing. "Both the machines and their controls are highly automated," says Van der Velde. "The complete pre-processing – sawing and milling of profiles, for example, takes place in one processing centre, after which the products are forwarded to our fully automatic welding department. And the pre-assembly and fittings are also largely done with robots."

Equal platforms, equal systems

Europrovyl has been using Matrix OptiCalc for approximately seven years for production, calculation, and work preparation. The choice for this software from Matrix Software is a logical one, according to Van der Velde. “Our sister companies Kumij and Transcarbo already used Matrix Software, and our ambition is that all companies within our group work on the same platforms and with the same systems. This means we only have to enter our data once. Moreover, we can invest together in optimisations, and developments will go faster. To select the right software for this, we actively exchange best practices. Matrix Software stands head and shoulders above this. The product managers and software engineers actively think along with us. They understand our products and can quickly translate what our machines need into the best software solution. Moreover, the software is suitable for calculation, work preparation and machine control, which saves time and costs.”

Calculation and work preparation

“We carry out the complete calculation of our frames in Matrix OptiCalc,” says Van der Velde. “In most cases, we receive drawings or BIM models from the contractor, which we read into Matrix OptiCalc. We then design and model the frames, after which a price and quotation are automatically generated based on, among other things, numbers, materials, person-hours and prices. After approval, a transfer takes place to our work preparation, which, for example, coordinates measuring on-site and enters all dimensions. We can then easily retrieve the material lists, order forms and other information from the software. The information is also shared with our ERP system. For the MRP part, we use third-party software packages, which take care of the further translation.”

Machine control

The machine control is done 100% from Matrix OptiCalc. “For this purpose, the software generates an XML file from the 3D models, which is automatically read by our machines,” says Van der Velde. “This means that exactly those products are produced that we came up with at the front.” In addition, Europrovyl has been using the online calculation tool WebKozijn for some time now. “We mainly make this tool available to dealers, who can easily make their frame drawings online and generate quotations.” The significant advantage of WebKozijn is that Europrovyl can determine the storage percentage and sales offer strictly for each dealer. “As a result, we offer customization to every dealer and keep a grip on window frame sales. We can make any frame that our dealers design in WebKozijn.”

Open for development

“Matrix Software is a great party that is open to development,” emphasizes Van der Velde. “Of course, the product managers and software engineers cannot come up with everything themselves, but if you come up with a good story, they are always willing to think along. We very much appreciate this proactive attitude. As the market leader in the Netherlands, we need a partner who also wants to develop specifically for us and who looks beyond the general market demand. For example, 10% efficiency is logically not that interesting for companies with two work planners. But because we have about thirty work planners, such an efficiency boost does have much effect. And so we have many wishes, which we discuss annually with Matrix Software. In this way, we remain continuously innovative and moving.”

BIM Slim

"What we are currently very busy with, in BIM Slim", says Van der Velde. "We want our customer's Revit models to end up in Matrix OptiCalc automatically. So, we will carry out the process to achieve this together. While we test extensively and share our findings, Matrix Software's software engineers investigate how they can further refine the software. So, we are constantly looking for optimisation."

About Europrovyl

Like Kumij, Transcarbo and Smits Bedrijven Gemert, Europrovyl is part of the VHZ Group. For more than half a century, the company has been a leader in producing, supplying, and assembling plastic facade elements, including complete project management. From frames to doors, windows and sliding doors. “We excel in conceptual new construction, but we are also strong in traditional new construction and renovation projects,” says Van der Velde. “We tackle small and large projects, from one to several hundred homes. With four production locations, approximately 450 skilled employees and a total production of an average of 660 frames per day, we are the market leader in the Netherlands.”

Everything that Europrovyl invents and makes innovation. For example, the Holland Hundred system was developed as early as 1988, with which the Dutch market leader in plastic frames bridged the gap from a flat to a recessed profile system that closely approximates the wooden frame. And the 'Authentic Window' (sliding window frame) comes from Europrovyl. "In 2005, we also introduced the first plastic frame with the so-called wood look connection (HVL/CLK)", explains Technical Director Jan Sytze van der Velde. "Every innovation has been promoted to the Dutch standard and has significantly improved our market position. Extensive robotization and automation also contribute to this, aiming to deliver even higher and more consistent quality and serve customers even better."