Identify or describe the Competitive and Technological forces affecting the business expansion of Doors to the World, Inc.

Describe the Competitive forces that affect the business expansion of a Manufacturer of high-end, custom wooden doors and windows for residential construction.

Describe the Technological forces that affect the business expansion of a Manufacturer of high-end, custom wooden doors and windows for residential construction.

Doors to the World Doors to the World, Inc. Business Plan Prepared February 11, 2020 Business overview Business description Manufacturer of high-end, custom wooden doors and windows for residential construction and the remodelling market. Windows and doors are inlaid with fine glass etchings and brass inlays. Located in New Barton, ON since 1987. Launched as a family business. Started with wood-framed doors and windows for local builders north of Toronto, with a small atelier. Demand for custom French doors and manufacture of heritage windows and doors for retrofit boomed in the late 1990s. Opened a manufacturing facility in 1998. 30 employees. Company began selling to the new home market in 1988, but in response to changes in market-now a leading supplier to superstores, contractors and building supply dealers in the upscale renovation market. Mission, vision, values Mission statement. Doors to the World creates unique, eco-friendly, wood-framed custom windows and doors for the residential market using the highest standards of manufacturing and service. Vision: Doors to the World is the first choice for North American building retailers and building contractors for custom windows and doors in the residential remodeling sector. Values: People, Innovation, Service People: We invest in employees, through ongoing skills training and creative days. Treat our staff like our best customers. Innovation: We embrace innovation-incorporating new design methods, manufacturing processes, green inputs and technology to continue providing the best-looking, best-performing, eco-friendly, customized products. We think about the people who will use our product and integrate customer feedback into processes and products. Service: We stand behind our product with extended service hours, and offering moneyback guarantee on delayed or failed shipments, and a 10-year warranty on all items. Technological trends 3D printing has become the norm for prototypes in the millwork industry Led to increased time spent with customers in the design phase, as customers look for higher levels of customization Doors to the World purchased a 3D printer and intends to purchase a second one as export sales increase. Emergence of online platforms has increased competition from vendors and manufacturers outside of Canada and the U.S., in some cases undercutting prices. Integrated technology Data on customers, suppliers and orders is now integrated into all processes and connected to machines, which automate inventory, staffing requirements. www.Doorstothe World.ca has an inbound marketing strategy that allows it to compete comfortably in the online marketing world to remain the first choice for Canadian and worldwide customers. Focus on specifications of products, photos and stories of real installations to give customers an authentic experience of our product. . Technology requirements and investment needs . Looking to purchase new laser cutters for glass and mirror etching and shaping. Also investing in state-of-the-art lathes and routers. Software integration: Machines rely on computer-assisted design (CAD) and can be remote programmed to communicate with online ordering software to "queue-up or automate orders-in-progress. Machines will cut down on administration and production time. Precision cutting and etching will mean less shrink. linitial outlay for the machines is $100,000, plus $50,000 upgrade to power source. Maintenance requires both physical maintenance schedule (regular cleaning and repair), along with electrical inspection and maintenance. IT security and data storage (of customer data), must be collected, stored, monitored. Note: Data collected through this process will allow us to specifically target customers, allowing us to more clearly see trends in ordering, customization and errors that occur The competition Competitors and types of competition Direct competitors include a handful of artisan door and window ateliers in Ontario that, along with Doors to the World, represent 25% of overall door and window market in Canada Indirect competitors are mass market window and door manufacturers. In the U.S., certain retail brands that manufacture in China or Eastern Europe can offer significantly reduced prices due to lower labour costs, cheaper inputs and mass production Competitors' strengths and weaknesses Direct competitors typically have smaller manufacturing facilities and fewer employees, so they cannot meet increasing demand in the market. They offer one-to-one consultations with clients, which Doors to the World cannot do as often as a larger manufacturer Indirect competitors cannot offer the same level of customization, but they have invested in online tools that give end- customers a feeling of ownership over the design and modification process. Mass manufacturers often have more product warehoused, offering customers less time delay in manufacture and delivery Competitive advantage and differentiator Doors to the World offers a 10-year guarantee on most products. Differentiators Eco-friendly glues offer piece of mind. New designs annually innovation) using feedback from customers as part of our R&D keep us ahead of consumer trends. In provinces where doors and windows are eligible for a homeowner tax rebate, we process these in-house and claim the eco-rebate on their behalf. Integrated technology between orders, supply and manufacture means swift processes in the manufacturing facility that allow us to address new orders quickly. Competitive payment terms: Established clients have option to pay 50% of order up front (within 30-60 days of invoice) and the rest on receipt