Report Card: How Did Layman's Lumber Forecasts Do In 2015? Matt Layman A couple of weeks ago Thom McAnally, publisher of Component Advertiser, asked if I would write a summary of how following Layman's Lumber Guide Forecasts helped/ or could have helped you in 2015. My first inclination was to create the graph below to determine that 37 of 52 weeks, our lumber... Read More January 2016 Issue #09198 Page 36
The Last Word: Enriching Our Work From a Distance Joe Kannapell This time of year, when most job changes occur, we need to especially engage our remote employees. We must nurture, retain and recruit more of these people who don’t have an office, but have become the backbone of many companies. Truss designers, bookkeepers, and IT people increasingly... Read More January 2016 Issue #09198 Page 45
Question of the Day: Exempt Structures Stan Sias Exempt Structures, can I really do anything I (or the customer) wants when no one is looking over my proverbial shoulder? This question would be funny, if it were not so sad. Exactly what are exempt structures exempt from? Many jurisdictions make accessory buildings (storage sheds,... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 4
Advertiser Forum: It’s Good to be Back with Friends Anna Stamm When I left Wisconsin for Oklahoma, I was looking forward to new surroundings. (If you can overlook the tornado risk, the weather is fantastic.) The hard part though was leaving an industry I’d called home for thirteen years. I missed going to work and doing my best to provide as much... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 10
Increasing Net Profit While Sacrificing Labor Efficiencies? Todd Drummond Sometimes we lose focus of the main goal of creating more net profit for the company by focusing too much on one aspect of our business. Too often individuals focus too much on perceived labor efficiencies while limiting their overall capacities. Does reducing labor cost always produce more net... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 11
Comprehensive Plant Audits Boost Production Efficiency Jack Van Cleave Alpine recommends that truss manufacturers conduct regular, comprehensive plant efficiency reviews to improve productivity. The goal of these audits is to increase board feet production rates and evaluate production effectiveness. Audits also help prioritize equipment replacement schedules to... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 14
Maintenance Technicians Sean Hubbard Technology has changed the aspect of truss and wall panel production over the last decade. The continued advancements in technology have also changed the dynamics required to support that equipment. Staffing requirements and staffing abilities vary by Component Manufacturer. In smaller... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 21
Hurry and Wait! Rod Wasserman Thank you to all who viewed our Framing Table with Single Tool Programmable Panel Bridge at the BCMC Show in Milwaukee! Many have asked why should I consider a Single Table Wall Assembly System with Single Tool Panel Bridge? Over 40 years ago Triad introduced the Exterior Wall Panel Line... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 32
December 2015 Lumber Market Blueprint Matt Layman Evaluation November was a funky weather month. The east fielded above average rainfall, the western mountains got some snow, even though most temperatures were above average over the entire nation. There are pockets of pent up demand, like northern TX and Oklahoma, although on the whole,... Read More December 2015 Issue #08197 Page 38