It’s been some months now since most people have been talking about getting back to normal. But, many are looking to create their new normal, thinking on their feet, ready to pivot, working hard and imagining where the next landing place will be.
Most are trying to decide how to increase their market share, in a market buoyant and ripe for the picking. Some may find a new niche to fill in the market, some will re-imagine their business by adding more labor to a possibly already burdened hard-working shop, many will dream of achieving additional production with a second or third shift, and some will reach out to producers of machinery to increase output in their existing plants.
My choice, which is no surprise, would be to increase production in the safest, most efficient, most practical and productive way. Comprehensive training of one or two workers on a new saw that can cut, mark/print, and optimize timber is a no-brainer. Build a raked or flat wall frame in minutes, with a Raked Wall Line (these do flat walls as well) and then sheath it with the push of a button – again building better efficiencies in the business. Or press a complicated truss – set up by an automated puck system fed directly with details sent from the detailers desk. Sounds complicated? Not at all!
In most instances, when looking at the initial outlay of a new piece of equipment, the math quickly adds up to an amazing Return on Investment. Often times, a new automated or linear saw will do the work of multiple manual saws in a heartbeat, not to mention the labor savings of those men/women who feed, cut, and tail out. Repurpose those workers to another part of the plant and let the new equipment do the work, because your new piece of machinery likely will be computer-driven and won’t need or want nearly as much manual intervention.
Truss and frame fabricators understand the way the world is turning – technology is key, automation is upon us, and for those who embrace it, this brings confidence in supply. The benefits are astounding – it’s about gaining the efficiencies.
A “new” normal? That should include looking at things differently, taking advantage where you can, and creating new routines to capitalize on the efficiencies that will grow and improve your business. I know that our business has gone through new growth, and we have had to look internally and externally to improve and grow. Our customers are asking us questions too – and we’re ready to help you navigate to your new normal. This is an exciting time to help plan and pivot, work hard, and imagine the new possibilities.