Part I: Computerization Begins The arrival of the first computers 50 years ago signaled that truss design had come of age. And they came just in time. We urgently needed them to meet the growing demand for truss designs. But they didn’t come with experienced operators – in the...

There are many things to consider when relocating a candidate. Making sure they are a fit for your organization and the position you are trying to fill accounts for about one-third of the equation. But it’s the other two-thirds where you’ll usually find the...

Wood products are one of the most widely used construction materials in the United States, especially for low- to mid-rise residential structures. However, surveys conducted by the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) indicate that while many structural engineers...

Computer-simulated product testing is being used increasingly in modern engineering and manufacturing because it provides a low-risk, time- and cost-efficient means of modeling system performance using a wide array of variables before a physical prototype has been created. The following article...

“When will our computer project(s) be finished?”, we are often asked. Even after 50 years of trying, there is no easy way to explain what it takes to get “done.” However, one of our industry’s finest leaders offered the best advice 40 years ago. “We’ve...

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...

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,...

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...