If you’re like me, you’re away from your computer on the first day of October, choosing instead to attend the industry’s annual trade show, the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC). Held in Omaha, Nebraska this year, it has promised to be an exciting event. To...

Last month’s article, “Pure Online Magic with Paragon, TDC Time Standards, and AppWright Job Management,”introduced the new and powerful synergy of Paragon and AppWright, which includes the TDC time standards offering. TDC time standards (R.E., S.U., or Man-Hours based on time...

When it comes to building a strong component design team, there’s always a debate: is it better to hire someone inexperienced but with some formal training such as college or technical school, or someone with years of hands-on experience? The truth is, both matter—but not always in...

What never ceases to amaze me is how things can be completely obvious but still dependent on you knowing the “rules.” The problem is figuring out if you know the rules or if the rules have changed. That was Then, This is Now I remember very clearly, after my sister and I moved...

If you want to give your company a new competitive edge while reducing costs and improving profitability, then you’ll want to hear what TDC has connected using Paragon and AppWright. Coming this October at BCMC, find out how your company can reduce costs, improve your manufacturing...

Even in slower years, you can benefit, both professionally and personally, from attending the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC), as I have. Some gains may accrue over a longer period of time, but there are always people to meet and things to see at the Show. Even if your company...

Anyone with any training in lean practice has heard of standard terms such as the Five “S” and “Just in Time.” What is not discussed often enough is that lean principles are based on healthy management and employee relations, which is the foundation of the...

On a recent trip from Seattle to Vietnam via Tokyo, I flew on Japan Airlines and was struck by more than just the exceptional hospitality. What stood out most was their disciplined safety culture, specifically how their flight attendants conducted safety checks. As they walked the cabin before...

It’s August. The heat is relentless, the humidity unforgiving, and your design team is running as hot as a NASCAR pit crew in Alabama. Project timelines are tight, customer expectations are high, and every minute counts. So when someone suggests bringing in a new designer, it can feel like...

When a new designer comes on board—especially one with experience—there’s a good chance the onboarding process involves setting up their computer, pointing them to the right network folders, handing them a relatively simple job, and giving them a vague suggestion to “jump...