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There are several companies both in and outside of our industry who really understand costs. It is not some academic classroom “let someone teach me from the boardroom” but hands-on experience in knowing what their costs are in their operation. In the building industry, we think we...

The simple answer is no, not normally, but the reasoning behind that answer merits discussion. It should come as no surprise that truss connector plates are tied to design software and ultimately engineering design. The problem is one plate manufacture is not equivalent to another plate...

Theory of Constraints (TOC) is not often clearly understood, and it can be confused with Just in Time (JIT). Below is a simplified explanation with some examples about TOC that many should be able to relate to their operations. TOC is an offshoot of lean manufacturing principles. Every...

At Eagle Metal, our TrueBuild® software gives you an efficiency advantage at every step in the design process. Our leading parametric 3D capabilities and app-free model sharing makes visualization painless and gives our customers more time to build. Last month’s article, Raising the...

“The team at Vekta was instrumental in the design of this system and were able to open our eyes to possibilities we didn’t know even existed. The finished product has not only met but exceeded our expectations. With the minimal footprint of the PackFeeder, the accuracy, speed and...

In previous articles, we highlighted our amazing partners, touched on different industries, and broke down Stiles’ product lines. In this article, I am excited to spotlight Building Automation and the newest member of the team. What is Building Automation? Stiles’ Building...

While the biggest question about preferences in our industry isn’t about which calculator truss designers prefer, this month’s topic is just that. Over the past 20+ years, JobLine has run a survey asking Truss Designers what their calculator of choice is. While there are many...

Looking Around the Corner LEST WE NOT FORGET... the current lumber market condition is the by-product of a major disruption, not a lasting trend. The disruption consists of the following. Accelerated millennial transition from urban to suburban areas. This has created another...

As more builders, developers, and customers begin using modular construction instead of just thinking about it, the existing modular housing industry is being pushed, pulled, and thrown into a new reality. Too Much Demand! How can that be a bad thing? It can if there are very few new...

Traffic jams at America’s ports, railroad terminals, and trucking centers all indicate that the supply headaches you suffered last year are likely to continue until deep into spring. Products from China that you sell are most at risk, but goods produced in North America also are having...