Surviving in the long run… Re-invention… Tides of change…
Ewen Dobbie, President

The above are all fine descriptors, buzz words, even catch phrases in their own right. But what exactly do they mean? Be it newspapers, Scotch or heritage cars, traditional brands are reinventing their images to suit contemporary tastes. The global consumer, the market place and even rules of business engagement have changed. For companies to survive long term, they must find ways to be innovative, and continue to seek ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

It’s no secret that the steel design and construction industry is in a process of change…changing workflows, integrated software solutions and globalization of steel supply and now also services.

At Dowco, we find ourselves in the centre of this changing paradigm. What today has become a BIM or 3D technological revolution, began in North America in 1995 with the introduction of Tekla’s flagship detailing software Tekla Structures (formerly known as Xsteel), and is now gaining the momentum it deserves.

Working relationships between Owners, General Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Detailers and Fabricators are changing and newer definitions of roles and responsibilities are emerging. Fortunately for detailers, we find ourselves ‘moving up the food chain.’ No longer do we rely solely on fabricators for work, but now find ourselves working with project owners, GC’s and Engineers. So, as a detailing company, we have found ourselves re-inventing not just our tools of the trade over the last 12 years but also our services by offering specialty services to a wider audience.

Whether an iconic product, brand, or industry leading company, all must adapt to remain relevant in changing times. There is no question that technological innovations in communication and information delivery will accelerate this change.