This article was first published in the 2018 summer issue of ScaffMag magazine.

With the development of technology, we ask ourselves, where will it adapt to the world of scaffolding? Of course, we understand its role in pre-bidding/pre-planning of work, transportation and communications, but where is the future of our operators? What is the application in the actual world of scaffolding?

System scaffolding is now widely used in Europe and around the world, so much so that our continued use of pipes and accessories seems to confuse most people I talk to from other European countries. British contractors rarely choose a system, and your likelihood of using it will depend on the company you have worked for. Geographic location also seems to affect the system you use.

The first time I encountered system scaffolding was when I was working for Tone Scaffolding in 2007. The system they chose was Layher Allround, and I admit that my first impression was plain. I can't see this, or its advantages over tubes and accessories. Until, in other words, I witnessed the scaffolding built in ExCel London to prepare for the ski show. The whole thing happened over a weekend, and the result was flawless.

Since my Tone Scaffold era, things have changed. However, the future of the system does not seem like reality. Now, new players enter the market every year, heralding a huge change in attitudes and the beginning of the industry's adoption of system scaffolding.

For those who are new to the system, here is my shortlist of the main players, and the specific situation of each brand based on my experience with them. All options include their own roof system.

Layher wears German engineering proudly. This system has hardly been considered, and it has received first-class technical support here and in Germany. Finishing the scaffolding with all Layher components provides an unparalleled finish-it will make your customers very happy with the result.

One problem I heard about Layher is that to fit perfectly around the building, you must either be very lucky or use an adjustable bracket. An adjustable bracket is exactly what it sounds like: a component that can be bent for buildings of all sizes so that the scaffolding can be connected correctly. Once you have determined that you need an adjustable one, you need to have one at all heights.

The disadvantage here is not the component, but it belongs to the "non-standard" or "special" category. Special offers are made to order and the price is higher.

Personally, I am very happy to meet Mr. George Layher at the product launch of Layher Allround Lightweight Components. When that person walked over to talk to me, I was looking at the Layher roof system. I am a simple person and I believe that interpersonal relationships and passion are the keys to success. Mr. Lyle fully demonstrated these qualities; he is a true gentleman. If you have the opportunity to attend the Layher Open House or visit their warehouse, then do it. You will not be disappointed.

We Hoover (but we are not Dyson). We Google (but we don't have to). Some of us are obviously "Netflix and Chill" (this may not be safe for work, so if you don't know what this means, please Google it). Some brands are synonymous with work done, and we will detail them. This explains why almost everyone in the industry is on site when the project manager asks for Haki (not just the stairs).

Haki's climb to the top of the world of site stairs-forgive the pun-is worth it. Stairs of choice for entry and exit in low-traffic areas, feel very sturdy when used, and few stairs can provide the same level of comfort. Another jewel in Haki's crown is their roof system. In a market saturated with imitation systems, there are not many prominent places, and the consensus is that Haki has this extra ability.

One challenge Haki faced when focusing on the major leagues was that its access independence was not fully utilized compared to beams, roof systems, and stairs. Most of the people I talked to didn't realize that Haki and Layher, like Layher, offer a complete product line of components. Therefore, they are still completely loyal to Layher and have not considered buying Haki stock for independents.

Cuplok is as famous as the company that created it. SGB’s flagship system scaffolding has been widely used in the UK and is popular with scaffolding contractors for its amazing ability to work with pipe fittings and fittings. Unlike other all-or-nothing systems, you can use the time and material savings provided by this system to build scaffolding while retaining the flexibility provided by pipes and accessories. In my opinion, this is a major victory.

In the past 17 years, I have seen the use of Cuplok drop to the point where it can only be used by stubborn loyalists. The question is, can SGB bring this once prosperous system back to its former glory?

www.sgb.co.uk/products/scaffolding/cuplok-scaffold

Plattec is a new member of the system module and is rapidly making waves. It is owned by Altrad Group. With the TRAD recruitment and sales force behind it, and the flexible financing they provide to customers, I think the company has become a winner.

Plattec looks almost the same as Layher, but don't let this disappoint you-it is not an imitator. On the contrary, the system well reflects the different applications of modules and roof systems. At a young age, there are still many problems to overcome. Plattec does not yet have a complete product line. If they want to seize market share, they must quickly build their component kits. I think this is one worth seeing.

www.tradhireandsales.co.uk/product-range/plettac-metrix/about/

As one of the original system access solutions, Kwikstage continues to benefit from RMD's strong presence in the temporary engineering field, and maintains a good reputation for its stage, formwork and system scaffolding. It has cracked multiple geographic areas and is widely used worldwide. Except, interestingly, in the UK.

Despite its high reputation, my experience is that Kwikstage needs a lot of improvement outside of all systems. It seems to be very popular in Scotland and Ireland, but in my 12 years of engineering and design career, I only completed five designs using this system.

In view of these advantages and disadvantages, how do you choose a system? As always, you can find the most suitable for you, your team and your business in your personality. All major companies hold regular open days. Whether you are in the system market or not, I will urge you to do some research and engage in dialogue to help you make an informed choice.

The main contractor and I participated in many pre-tender meetings, and the same question kept popping up: can we build this in the system? My answer is always yes, although some items are more suitable for pipes and fits. What follows must be the shrinking of the bidding pool. The reality is that not all scaffolding contractors will carry the system... However.

As with most things in business, innovation begins with a whisper and then develops into a yelling. For all our stubborn supporters of pipes and fittings, there is an uneasy transition ahead. The emergence of system scaffolding is faster than you think. This is not a question of "if" but "when". Are you ready to hack the system?

This article was first published in the 2018 summer issue of ScaffMag magazine.

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