Education Archives • Southeast Architectural Solutions

Jul272025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

How to Utilize DMI and ABI Reports (with a little help from ChatGPT)

How to Utilize DMI and ABI Reports (with a Little Help from ChatGPT) As I dive deeper into creating content and building a more informed community around the commercial door and hardware industry, I’ve discovered that some of the most valuable tools for forecasting market trends are right in front of us, if you know how to read them. Two of the most underused yet powerful tools are the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) and the AIA Architectural Billings Index (ABI). I’ve been including them in my monthly newsletter, but recently I wanted to go deeper to better understand what they measure. Here is a quick explanation: Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) The DMI tracks new non-residential building projects that are just entering the planning phase, before they’re designed, permitted, o...

May52025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Three Tips to Navigate Shifting Market Conditions

Education, News

Market conditions are shifting, material costs are fluctuating, and things beyond our control are creating rippling effects across supply chains. Sound familiar? Yes, we are in uncertain times again, but if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how to navigate disruption with grit and creativity. We have already proven that we can adapt, innovate, and move forward even when the path ahead is unclear. Those lessons in resilience are more relevant now than ever. Let's remember the strategy that got us through tough times before. Here are three tips to navigate shifting market conditions. Three Tips to Navigate Shifting Market Conditions Keep communication transparent and timely. When a manufacturer shares news, especially the difficult kind, don’t delay in passing that i...

Apr182025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

What’s the difference between a closer and a loser?

Education

What’s the Difference Between a Closer and a Loser? In the middle of typing up a hardware estimate, I missed the “C” key and ended up typing loser instead of closer. And just like that, a blog post was born! Have you ever noticed how close the words closer and loser are? Just one letter separates them, the letter “C.” But in sales, that one letter can make all the difference between success and failure. So, what could you be missing that would help you close that sale? It might just be a missing “C.” C = Confidence Confidence is key in sales. When you believe in your product, your company, and yourself, it shows. Customers can sense confidence, and it reassures them that they are making the right decision by choosing you. C = Clarity Clear communication is essential...

Mar122025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

What is an AIS Certification

Education, News

What is an AIS Certification When choosing metal doors and frames for a project, you may hear the term AIS Certification come up. In my case, a distributor recently requested AIS documentation from Mesker, a manufacturer of hollow metal doors and frames that I represent. With assistance from my Mesker team I learned that we are proud to be able to provide this certification. I took the time to do a little digging to understand more about this initiative. Here is what I learned. Understanding AIS Certification In the construction and building materials industry, certifications play a crucial role in ensuring quality, compliance, and trustworthiness. One such certification that has recently come to the forefront is theAmerican Iron and Steel (AIS) certification. Let's...

Jul82024 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

A Heritage of Excellence: Made In America

Education, Industry News, News

The Heritage of Excellence: Made in America In today’s globalized market, the phrase “Made in America” carries a significant weight. It’s more than just a label; it’s a testament to quality, craftsmanship and economic patriotism. As a representative of several manufacturers committed to producing American-made products, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience and ingenuity that define this sector. For a little history on each of the American manufacturers I represent, visit Mesker Door, Trimco, and Reese Enterprises. My posts for the month of July aim to explore the history, struggles and triumphs of manufacturers who choose to keep their production within the United States. While these companies face numerous challenges, from higher production costs to fierce competiti...

Jun242024 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Ensuring Fire Door Compliance with Design Hardware’s 316R Replacement Door Closer

Education, Fire Door Solutions, News, Product Focus

Ensuring Fire Door Compliance with Design Hardware’s 316R Replacement Door Closer Fire door safety is a critical aspect of building management, especially in healthcare facilities, hotels, and other high-occupancy public buildings where the risk to life is significant. Ensuring that fire doors are compliant with the latest safety codes not only protects property but, more importantly, saves lives. Learn more about how Design Hardware’s 316R Replacement Door Closer can help keep your fire doors code compliant. Importance of Annual Fire Door Inspections One key element of ensuring fire door safety is the practice of regular inspections and proper maintenance of fire doors. As a fire door is designed to act as a barrier to contain smoke and flames, its most important duty is to close...

Sep102020 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Galvanized VS Galvannealed

Education

Galvanized vs Galvannealed When specifying doors that are to be exposed to corrosive environments it is important to know all the options available. Steel doors offer high performance and longevity. In most applications standard cold rolled steel, coated with rust inhibiting primer, will hold up well. When extra protection is needed galvanized steel is a consideration. The steel door industry offers A40, A60 and G90 as typical options. For harsher conditions you may consider fiberglass which I will cover via a separate post. Here is a brief explanation of some of the processes and terminology to assist you in selecting the best product for your application. A60 vs G90, That is the Question The most common specified are A60 and G90. To understand the difference let’s start with ...