Changes in Long Project Timelines Lead to Evaluation of Retractable Roof Systems in New Ways

Receiving orders for retractable roofs does not happen as a standalone event. Typically, the purchase occurs within larger construction programs where factors such as scheduling needs, technical design coordination, and overall building program considerations come into play. As a result, manufacturing companies are being evaluated even before contracts are awarded.

The evaluation process starts from the specification phase of the construction project. While the retractable roof itself becomes an object of careful consideration due to its complexity, the same applies to the integration of the roof system in general project processes. Architects, construction managers and facility owners consider not only the characteristics of the roof itself but also the specifics of the entire building process.

A number of disciplines are involved in the implementation of a retractable roof. Requirements related to structure, building envelope design and integration of construction systems have an impact on the configuration of the roof system chosen. In many cases, one delay affects other project-related activities. This leads to increased demands from project teams in terms of the availability of detailed information about a manufacturer's products.

In such a situation, the evaluation criteria change. Product characteristics are certainly an important element in the assessment of a company. However, responsiveness and availability during the development phase become critical for some project teams. Consulting companies that can work together to generate drawings and provide additional clarification are valued by architects and owners.

Moreover, there is another aspect to be considered – the duration of the buying cycle. It takes a substantial amount of time to evaluate different options and assess the feasibility of a particular project. Often, discussions regarding the purchase of a retractable roof occur in the framework of several budgeting periods before the final decision is taken. For this reason, the marketing period is prolonged.

As a result of the process, uncertainty appears. Changes in material prices or construction schedules may appear. Initial design assumptions made at the early stage of the project might need further refinement and revision when implementation time comes close. Therefore, manufacturers need to show a high level of flexibility in order to remain engaged with a potential buyer.

Facility owners pay attention to details during the later stages of the planning process. As the roof system is installed in a non-standard way, special attention needs to be paid to construction sequencing. For example, when and in what order the roof needs to be installed becomes an important issue to be discussed. In many cases, these details are secondary at the early stage of discussion; however, they become primary at the later stages.

At the same time, for manufacturers, the challenge consists of providing necessary consultation services without excessive spending of their internal resources. In some cases, significant engagement with the engineering services of a company is needed in the early phases of the development period. While one project moves further, another one stays idle for a long period of time.