Window technology trend study: quality and reliability more important than innovation

Instead of ever-new technological developments, window manufacturers, architects and designers now primarily focus on practical solutions – products that work reliably in everyday use. The trend study by Winkhaus and Heinze shows that classic values are once again gaining in importance: quality, reliability and collaborative partnerships are becoming more important. Solutions that prove their worth in everyday use thus become the key criterion for evaluating manufacturers in window technology.

Statt immer neuer technischer Entwicklungen stehen für Fensterbauer, Architekten und Planer heute vor allem praxistaugliche Lösungen im Fokus – Produkte, die im Alltag zuverlässig funktionieren. Die Trendstudie von Winkhaus und Heinze zeigt, dass klassische Werte wieder an Bedeutung gewinnen: Qualität, Verlässlichkeit und partnerschaftliche Zusammenarbeit rücken stärker in den Vordergrund. Lösungen, die sich im täglichen Einsatz bewähren, werden damit zum zentralen Maßstab für die Bewertung von Herstellern in der Fenstertechnik. (Hinweis: Angaben sind in Prozent, Mehrfachnennungen möglich)

Window manufacturers, architects, and designers alike all face everyday work that is becoming much more complex. Window manufacturers primarily focus on the requirements of day-to-day project work, such as installation, processes, and delivery capabilities. Designers and architects, on the other hand, think more from the perspective of the overall system: for them, planning security and technical integration are paramount.

Around half of window manufacturers are burdened by bureaucracy and a shortage of skilled workers. Added to this are long or uncertain delivery times, which further increase the time pressure – a factor that has intensified for about one-third of companies. Cost and time pressure is the main concern for designers: this is a decisive factor for around two thirds. At the same time, technological issues are becoming more important, while supply chains and material availability remain challenging.

“For us, the results are an important impulse to align our solutions even more consistently with the actual needs of practice,” says Alfred Dinkelborg, Director of Product Management at Winkhaus. This not only puts new products in the foreground, but also approaches that simplify processes and function reliably.

What connects both target groups: the desire for reliability
Despite different perspectives, product quality is the most important selection criterion for window technology for both target groups. This is the case for 71 percent of window manufacturers and 82 percent of architects and designers. The latter attach great importance to high-quality solutions. Most prioritise ease of use and functionality when it comes to window fittings, while about half focus on durability and service life – factors that directly contribute to product quality.

It becomes clear where lack of quality slows down processes in window manufacturers’ day-to-day project work. Because complaints are a reality: one quarter report frequent or occasional complaints. The main cause is product quality – followed at some distance by assembly errors as well as deadline and delivery problems.

Today, innovation is not only reflected in the product. The decisive factor is how well manufacturers support their customers in their daily lives. For window manufacturers, quick information and a personal contact person are important. Designers and architects primarily focus on technical support and consulting. “Reliability goes far beyond the product. This is exactly where we see our task: to support the industry with high-quality products and know-how,” says Alfred Dinkelborg.



Sustainability: planning requirements, demand from the market
The subject of sustainability is increasingly in focus, but is interpreted differently: for 39 percent of architects and designers, it is a strategic driver of the future in the context of CO₂ accounting and holistic concepts such as circular construction. A total of 59 percent of window manufacturers see an increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
The results of the study make it clear: reliability is becoming the decisive benchmark in window technology. It is created by the interplay of product, processes and partnership. Ultimately, it is how well solutions prove themselves in everyday life that matters.