Imagine getting support for GIB® products and systems by putting on a VR headset and immersing yourself in an augmented reality, virtually walking through a building site and being able to see how our products are installed and used.

It seems far-fetched, but these types of support tools could be on the horizon for the industry in the future. The GIB® team are always looking ahead to understand how we can best provide support and advice for industry. 

Landing back to Earth in the here and now, we’re continually responding to emerging trends; whether it’s new ways of providing support or how the industry is evolving and what this means for our products.

Demand for online and video resources

While nothing beats having an expert at the end of the phone to talk you through something, we’re constantly adding to our How-to video content library, which is fast becoming a vital resource for a wide variety of people to have a resource they can use on the go, when they need it.

They appeal to homeowners who want to repair a hole in the wall, to builders and installers who need refresher training or looking for quick support on product installation, right through to designers and architects seeking specific product information.

Having GIB® product manuals using 3D illustrations rather than 2D, so product and install information is easier to interpret, is something we are also leading the charge on and will be utilised more and more.

What’s changed in product support

As housing becomes more intensified and terraced housing and apartments more prevalent in New Zealand, multi-layer systems now being specified add increasing levels of complication to the products when you start to split things up above and below.  

Builders, designers, and architects right through to council building inspectors are seeking more information and clarity around the products that are being specified and used to meet the needs of compact housing like reducing fire risk, bracing requirements and noise reduction.

There’s also a growing need for reassurance across the industry for the likes of compliance documentation with less appetite for risk, and many within the industry are reaching out to trusted suppliers like us to provide that reassurance.

We are still only a phone call away

At the end of the day, whatever the query is, I would encourage people to get in touch as we are here to help.  The GIB® Technical Support Helpline  answers around 80 calls a day and one of our team of six, with decades of building industry experience, talk to people right across the country and from all walks of the industry. 

We enjoy being experts in our products and systems and helping people, and whatever form you get advice, whether it’s a phone call or maybe a VR headset in the future, having support and advice available when you need it is something we know is valued and appreciated.  

The GIB® Technical Support team are available through the GIB® Helpline  (0800 100 442) Monday – Friday from 7.30am – 5.00pm, except public holidays.