Rules Corner

Technology Combined with Knowledge Equals Maximum ROI

with Chief Inspector Dana Spessert

With the invention of modern technology, some repetitive, manual labor jobs were replaced by machines. Over time, the need has shifted from workers needing to physically move material by hand to more efficiently utilizing machines that are precise and consistent.

The use of machines can make the production of any product more efficient and accurate, including the manufacturing of hardwood lumber from logs. Workers are now utilized as machine operators who oversee the functionality of the machine to ensure that the process is done correctly and that the correct results are achieved.

The NHLA Inspector Training School has been educating the hardwood industry’s lumber inspectors since 1948, to help sawmills accurately count their money before sending the lumber to market. For more than two decades, we have seen a sharp decline in attendance at the Inspector Training School, and the trend seems to be continuing.

More and more companies are utilizing machine-assisted lumber inspection for hardwoods, applying varying technologies from high-resolution cameras to x-ray equipment.

I believe that this technology shows promise. But it should be noted that the work of hardwood lumber inspection is riddled with nuances that are challenging for even the most sophisticated machines to overcome. The varying colors, knots, splits, checks, burls and other wood characteristics are a challenge for the best lumber inspector. It requires a great deal of experience to fully understand the impact that these natural characteristics have on the lumber grades.

As the industry becomes increasingly more mechanized, there needs to be a more proactive approach to monitoring the processes with better-educated employees to keep things in check. As we all know, if a machine is working correctly, there is nothing better, but when it gets out of calibration, things can go wrong very quickly, and the output can be devastating to the bottom line. personnel in a production environment, the best way to make sure the machines are operating at peak performance is to have employees who know and understand the products and their value. NHLA has programs to measure and test your machines on a regular basis. Evaluating your machines on a regular and on-going schedule will keep you informed as to the ROI on the investments you have made.

To maintain the structure and order of the hardwood industry, companies must continue to support the training of NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules. The rules have and always will be the key factor in the global marketplace of our beautiful and plentiful supply of North American hardwoods. NHLA has the programs and staff to help your company make the most of your return on your equipment and your personnel. Contact me today and let us help your company be as profitable as possible.

Dana Spessert, 901-399-7551 or email d.spessert@nhla.com