Library

In June, my sisters and I threw a 50th anniversary party for our aunt and uncle. Because our own parents never lived long enough to reach that milestone, it was a wonderful occasion to celebrate for everyone and have a great time. Seeing some of the photos after the party, one caught my...

Part Five: Monoliths of the Millennium The movement to taller and broader apartment buildings has impacted every component manufacturer. One such project may occupy estimators and designers for weeks at a time, may overwhelm production, and may confound shipping. It may crowd out smaller...

A continuing strong house construction scene means that the North American frame and truss industry and supporting supply chain are busy. Frame and truss manufacturing remains highly competitive, and top performing companies are paying even closer attention to automation, quality, precision,...

This month, I was able to view some of the systems recently installed at customer locations. All of the systems seem to be engineered well and mechanically sound. I would like to offer this bit of information: Alpine’s SmartView offers an operator’s advantage, with dimensioning...

For many years, I have been beating the drum that board footage (BF) is an imperfect unit measurement that our industry should abandon. The better alternative is the proven method of time estimations which uses man-minutes (MM). Man-minutes are derived from time-in-motion practices that have...

How the product will be used is a very important consideration when designing components, and it also comes into play during fabrication. The attic trusses in the photograph have a wedge installed at the wall–ceiling intersection. This is the intended design. Deeper in the rack,...

I read a book recently that discussed the term “benchmark” and its origins as relates to business. Surprisingly, the term originates within the history of guns and ammunition. In fact, with the same aim we use it today—comparison and improved performance. The book talked...

As a follow up to our last article, How the DMAIC Process Helps Sustain Achievements and Drive Continuous Improvements, below is another example and case study based on the need to reduce design cycle time. After setting the parameters, I will outline the DMAIC Lean method and demonstrate how...

Remote Design positions have become mainstream, but that doesn’t negate the need and desire to have in-office Designers. When it comes to Remote Designers, the kind that are not just an hour from the office, most employers look at them as a commodity. It doesn’t matter if you are...

One of the mandates of the American Wood Council is to make the job of code officials, engineers, and designers easier.  To do this, we provide the technology that is needed to best understand the use of wood in construction. For example, we develop wood design standards to ensure the...