Do You Know Your ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 3 Numbers? Glenn Traylor Inspired by frequent requests for a quick reference, I’ve created a single-sheet ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 3 guide—similar to a CliffsNotes version of the standard. Please note that important details are omitted; for a complete understanding, consult the full standard, National Design... Read More October 2025 Issue #17315 Page 33
Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage: How Semi-Automated Equipment is Rebuilding the Construction Workforce Jeff Brown Panels Plus is helping companies do more with less — safely, consistently, and efficiently. The Construction Labor Crisis: Fewer Hands on Deck The construction industry is in the middle of a critical workforce challenge. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors... Read More October 2025 Issue #17315 Page 82
Design Connections: Training vs. Experience: What Really Builds a Great Designer? Geordie Secord 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... Read More October 2025 Issue #17315 Page 110
Do You Include BCMC in Your Training Investment? Glenn Traylor How much time should you invest in learning about your business, and what are the best methods for training? You may not realize it, but our annual industry tradeshow is one of the best places to combine multiple objectives including valuable learning opportunities. Each year, component... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 35
MiTek to Showcase Innovative Solutions at BCMC 2025 MiTek Staff Get ready to see our integrated solutions at the upcoming Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC) 2025 in Omaha, NE. Our booth will feature industry-leading software, automated production equipment, engineered systems and products, and service capabilities that empower component... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 48
What are Your Options to Address Member-to-Member Gaps? Glenn Traylor A recent phone call has prompted me to address the issue of fixing gaps. There are some misunderstandings about what qualifies as a member-to-member gap, and the options to fix them are not always clear either. ANSI/TPI 1 recommends that members in a truss to touch each other when possible.... Read More August 2025 Issue #17313 Page 33
What a Flight on Japan Airlines Taught Me About Visual Safety Culture Ben Hershey 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... Read More August 2025 Issue #17313 Page 52
How Will the Changes to ANSI/TPI 1 Impact Your Truss Builders and In-House Inspectors? Glenn Traylor As we migrate from ANSI/TPI 1-2014 to ANSI/TPI 1-2022, it is important to discuss and be aware of Chapter 3 updates. These changes impact QC inspections and should be understood by your in-house QC inspector and your truss builders. The changes are in two categories in Chapter 3 — a... Read More July 2025 Issue #17312 Page 31
The New Hiring-Zone: A Smart Way to Hire in a Tight Industry Let’s face it—finding the right people in the offsite construction industry isn’t getting easier. Whether you’re searching for a seasoned truss designer, a sharp estimator, or a dependable production manager, the usual massive job boards don’t cut it. That’s... Read More July 2025 Issue #17312 Page 82
Design Connections: Beating the Big Job Board Blues Geordie Secord When you’re job hunting or looking to hire, you’ve got choices. Lots of them. You can go with the big-name job boards that everyone knows about, or you can try something different—something more personal. The experience you get depends entirely on which path you choose, and the... Read More July 2025 Issue #17312 Page 88