The component industry continues to weather economic uncertainty, but history tells us that construction will help lead the recovery after this pause. When demand returns, it often returns quickly — and manufacturers who have not prepared can find themselves scrambling to keep up.
That is why now is the time to press play. Reassess your process organization, work through the items on your to-do list, and identify opportunities to improve. Meaningful change is rarely easy, but the resulting gains in efficiency, standardization, utilization, capacity, and profitability make the effort worthwhile.
There is no better place to begin that conversation than the Enventek booth at BCMC in Columbus, Ohio. It is time to talk shop: how to pick lumber, cut lumber, and stage truss-build materials so your existing crews can produce more trusses at a lower operating cost. In other words, it is time to talk about how to Feed the Beast!
Check out the recommended reading list below for a quick primer on practical strategies to eliminate saw idle time, reduce forklift operating costs, and boost assembly table efficiency — plus proven solutions to get your operation ready to Feed the Beast! [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Turn Existing Driveways and Forklift Paths into Dual-Use PickLines
By feeding single or multiple saws with a PickLine, you significantly reduce costly forklift picking, reclaim saw idle time to cut more lumber, and deliver collated cut lumber directly to the tables to speed up truss assembly. Always pick lumber to optimize truss assembly — not saw optimization.
Feed Any Saw — Linear or Component — with a Lumber PickLine
Seamlessly integrate a PickLine with all linear and component saws —including Servo-Omni Robotic, ASI Masik, Monet DeRobo, Alpine, TCT, MiTek Blade, and the RetroC auto-feeding component saw.
F1 Pit Stop Each Truss with NEXPLATE
NEXPLATE is a next-generation solution that solves the hidden automation bottleneck of plate picking and plate distribution at the truss assembly tables—- especially on million dollar high-value automated truss tables. A total plant solution that can feed collated truss plates to more than six truss jigs.
F1 Pit Stop Each Truss with PlantOne TVs
With or without SpeedCatch Carts, installing PlantOne TVs over truss build jigs is the most cost-effective way to enhance truss building efficiency. PlantOne upgrades any truss station ranging from manual jigs to fully automated tables.
Inside and out, LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation. Come see us at BCMC for more inspiration on how to Feed the Beast!