I. Product Design Aspects
Modular Design
Factories can design pavilions into multiple modules. For example, parts such as the roof, columns, and railings can be made into independent modules respectively. During installation, just like building with building blocks, workers can easily combine these various modules together. Take a wooden octagonal pavilion as an example. The factory can group the eight columns with capitals into one module, each slope of the roof into another module, and the railing into yet another module. These modules have reserved connection interfaces during the design process. The installers only need to set up the column modules first, then connect the roof module to the columns through the pre-designed slots or bolt holes, and finally install the railing module. For many market demands, unified standard-sized modules can be manufactured. Then, when customers have demands, the modules can be directly shipped from the warehouse, which can increase the shipping speed and promote the transaction speed.
For some complex pavilion structures, such as Chinese pavilions with multiple layers of upturned eaves, the factory can design the upturned eaves into modules in layers. Each upturned-eave module has a corresponding serial number and installation instructions. The installers can quickly complete the construction of the complex structure by installing them in sequence according to the instructions, reducing the trouble of complex cutting and splicing operations on the construction site. For these complex pavilions, corresponding installation videos can be provided to help the installers reduce installation difficulties, increase the installation speed, and reduce the installation costs of the workers.
Standardization of Interfaces
Factories should ensure that the connection interfaces of all components of the pavilion are standardized. Whether it is a wooden, metal, or plastic pavilion, when designing the connection interfaces, universal standard sizes and shapes should be adopted. For example, in a metal pavilion, the connection between columns and beams can use bolts and nuts of a unified specification, and the positions and sizes of the bolt holes are consistent in all components of the same model. In this way, the installers do not need to make additional processing and adjustments to the interfaces on site, and they can directly use the matching connectors to complete the installation. Standardized interfaces can increase the installation speed and contribute to the improvement of production efficiency.
For wooden pavilions with mortise and tenon structures, the factory can strictly standardize the sizes of mortises and tenons. For example, when making the mortise and tenon connections between columns and beams, the width, thickness of the tenon, and the depth, opening size of the mortise, etc., all have precise standards. The installers can successfully complete the connection of components as long as they follow the standard mortise and tenon splicing method, and this standardized mortise and tenon structure can maintain good stability during multiple disassembly and reassembly processes.
II. Installation Materials and Tools Aspects
Providing Complete Installation Kits
Factories should provide a complete installation kit for each pavilion. This kit includes all the necessary connectors (such as bolts, nuts, washers), sealing materials (such as rubber sealing rings for waterproofing), and auxiliary tools (such as special wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.). For example, for an aluminum alloy pavilion, the factory can provide a set of stainless steel bolts and nuts with anti-rust coating, as well as a wrench that matches the bolt specifications. At the same time, some sealing glue for filling the connection gaps can also be provided to ensure the waterproof performance of the pavilion. The materials and tools in these installation kits have been tested and screened by the factory to ensure the smooth progress of the installation.
Attach a detailed material list and usage instructions to the installation kit. The list should list the name, quantity, and purpose of each component, and the usage instructions should show the installation steps in a vivid way with pictures and texts. Take a simple four-cornered wooden pavilion as an example. The installation instructions can start from the basic ground treatment, detail the installation position and method of each column, then show the connection steps between the beams and columns, as well as the installation details of the roof and railings. In this way, the installers can clearly complete the installation process according to the instructions.
Selecting Easy-to-Operate Materials
In terms of material selection, factories should consider the machinability and installation convenience of materials. For example, for the frame of a metal pavilion, choosing aluminum alloy material has more advantages than ordinary steel. The aluminum alloy material is lighter, easier to carry and install, and can produce components with prefabricated connection structures through extrusion and other processes. The installers do not need to perform complex welding or cutting operations on site, and they can connect the components by using simple tools.
In wooden pavilions, the factory can select pre-processed wood. For example, using wood that has been cut to size, polished smooth, and pre-drilled with connection holes. In this way, the installers only need to perform simple splicing and fixing operations on site, without spending a lot of time on rough processing of the wood, which greatly improves the installation efficiency. For the materials of pavilions, there should be a clear usage framework. For example, for wooden pavilions, glass pavilions, aspects such as price and performance should be understood. When introducing to customers, the factory can explain in detail the prices and performances of these different material pavilions to customers, making customers feel your professionalism, leaving a professional introduction impression on customers, establishing a good corporate brand image, and broadening the brand awareness. For different material pavilions, different materials should be used to manufacture them, and different materials should be evaluated. For example, for wooden, glass, aluminum alloy, and glazed tile materials, when facing numerous materials, you should carefully compare prices, cost-effectiveness, etc., and make a choice according to the economic situation. Choose the pavilion materials that are suitable for you and more cost-effective.
III. Training and Technical Support Aspects
Providing Installation Training
Factories can provide installation training services for customers who purchase pavilions or installation teams. The training methods can be online video tutorials, offline on-site operation training, or a combination of both. In the online video tutorials, the factory can display in detail the entire process from the inventory of pavilion components, the preparation of the foundation, to the installation steps of each component, and finally the inspection and debugging. For example, for a new type of composite material pavilion, the video tutorial can introduce in detail the characteristics of this material and the special matters that need to be noted during the installation process, such as the expansion coefficient of the composite material at different temperatures and how to reserve expansion space.
For offline on-site training, the factory can conduct it at its own production base or the installation site of the customer. The training personnel can demonstrate the installation process in person, let the installers actually operate, and correct wrong operations in a timely manner. For example, when installing a pavilion with a glass roof, the training personnel can demonstrate on site how to correctly install the glass, including the sealing, fixing, and waterproofing treatment of the glass, etc., so that the installers can master the correct installation techniques. Appropriate training should be provided for installers to make employees more familiar with the production process, increase the installation speed of employees, and help homeowners reduce the installation costs of employees.
Providing Technical Support Hotline
Factories should set up a technical support hotline to facilitate installers to consult in a timely manner when they encounter problems during the installation process. When installers encounter problems such as component damage, loose connections, or uncertain installation order on site, they can call the hotline. The technical support personnel of the factory can provide solutions according to the specific problems. For example, if an installer finds that the position of the connection hole of a certain column does not match that of the beam, the technical support personnel can guide the installer to make fine adjustments by phone, or judge whether it is an error in the production process of the component, and arrange to reissue the correct component in a timely manner.