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
Solid Blocking Requirement for Truss Joints MiTek Staff MiTek engineers frequently receive questions on why the note “Solid blocking is required on both sides of the truss at joints…” appears on an engineering drawing and how to address it. This often arises at the high heel joints. [For all images, See PDF or View in Full... Read More October 2025 Issue #17315 Page 117
CS Producer™ – A Modern Approach to Truss Production & Management Carolyn O’Hearn We live in a world of ever-changing schedules and demands. Nowhere is this truer than in truss production and management. Tracking each phase of production is critical to success. Enter CS Producer™, a new cloud-based application that gives floor and roof truss manufacturers powerful tools... Read More October 2025 Issue #17315 Page 124
Home Building Technology, Part IX: The Great Connector Joe Kannapell, PE Cal Jureit’s truss testing experience was but the first of three consequential steps that led him to invent the modern truss connector plate. Jureit’s second step was joining Truss Fabrications, Inc. (TFI), which furthered his knowledge of truss manufacturing, and focused his efforts... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 10
Pure Online Magic with Paragon, TDC Time Standards, and AppWright Job Management Todd Drummond If you want to give your company a new competitive edge while reducing costs and improving profitability, then you’ll want to hear what TDC has connected using Paragon and AppWright. Coming this October at BCMC, find out how your company can reduce costs, improve your manufacturing... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 26
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
Where Innovation Meets Industry: Simpson Strong-Tie at BCMC Simpson Strong-Tie Staff It’s almost show time and we cannot wait to share with you all of the innovative solutions we are working on at this year’s BCMC show in Omaha. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.] Innovative Software We are excited to announce our newest addition to our Component... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 54
Simplify Floor Plan Review Alpine Team Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is transforming design and project management workflows. By removing redundancies and automating tedious tasks, AI helps designers work faster. Reviewing architectural drawings, floor plans, and construction documents can be painful, and important changes... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 61
Designers are Stirring, But Employers Remain Cautious Over the past several weeks, recruiting activity in the truss and wall panel design space has picked up in a way that’s hard to ignore. More design professionals are registering on The JobLine and exploring opportunities. The increase is not overwhelming—skilled candidates are still... Read More September 2025 Issue #17314 Page 114