Software Helps LBM Dispatchers Run Deliveries Smoothly

Dealers typically manage LBM deliveries to jobsites by dispatchers using paper, whiteboard or other manual tracking system. Computerizing deliveries can increase reliability and efficiency, winning new business and improving customer loyalty.

"In today's competitive LBM market, dealers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves and win more business. While it is natural to focus on adding new revenue-generating services, the quality of the dealer's core services is often what keeps customers coming back," said Randy Kwist, v.p. and general manager of Activant's Lumber and Building Materials Group.

New software tools designed for its Falcon and Activant Eagle platforms allow dealers to better plan and track the deliveries. Kwist said, "The Activant Dispatch and Delivery System is an electronic assistant that helps the dispatcher organize daily deliveries, provides accurate management reports, and helps ensure on-time deliveriesone of the most important services that LBM dealers can offer."

The software provides dispatchers with an up-to-date view on the status of delivery resources for any given delivery time-allowing dispatchers and salespeople to commit to specific delivery times with the confidence that the resources will be there to meet that commitment.

It will display order status information to anyone on the network with a proper security clearance, allowing dispatchers to focus their efforts on setting and meeting commitments.

Using the system, sales staff can send new orders or last-minute changes to the order entry system directly to the dispatcher, reducing the time it takes to process the order and eliminating costly errors.

DISPATCH & Delivery Dashboard module gives yard managers a quick "macro" look at their overall delivery operations.

Managers can track productivity by customer, job, salesperson, driver and truck.

A Dispatch & Delivery Dashboard module displays predefrned key performance indicators as easy-to'read charts and graphs. With a quick glance, yard managers get a big picture perspective of their delivery operations. A GPS Tracker module combines global positioning system, mobile phone, and Internet technologies to show dealers the precise location of delivery trucks at any given time.

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Elk Analyzes lts Options

ElkCorp is reviewing its "strategic alternatives," which could include a possible merger or sale of the company. Subsidiaries include Elk Building Products, which manufactures roofi ng, decking, and other products.

"Several third parties have indicated interest in the company, and our management and the board believe that it is prudent to evaluate all opportunities for maximizing shareholder value," said c.e.o. Thomas D. Karol.

One interested party is Samuel J. Heyman, owner of Building Materials Corp. of America and a 10.367o stake in ElkCorp. In a letter to Elk, he said, "In addition to the extremely difficult operating environment we in the roofing industry now confront-resulting from unprecedented asphalt costs, margin erosion, and excess inventories-the industry faces significant long-term challenges as well. In our view, consolidation is the only logical response to these conditions."

Fire At Payette River Lumber

A fire that started Thanksgiving evening destroyed a drying shed at Payette River Lumber Co., Garden Valley, Ca.

"It was such a hot burn. we mav never know for sure." owner Alan Ward said of the possible cause.

Jon Devalle. the local fire chief. agreed. "We do have pretty complete consumption of the contents of the building, as well as the building. so it's going to take awhile to determine what may or may not have caused this fire," he said.

Although damages have yet to be calculated. Ward will rebuild once he determines how much insurance will cover. "We're not quitters." he said.

Device Saves Worker's Life

At QB Corp., Salmon, Id.. up-todate first aid training is required for all lead persons. supervisors. maintenance staff. and quality-control inspectors. As a result, long-time employee Wally Raymond is around to celebrate the holidays and a whole new year.

On the morning of September 15. Raymond came to work as usual although he was not feeling well. As he climbed into his forklift to start working. he collapsed and fell to the ground. A radio call for help brought fellow employee James Bird. a trained first responder, running to the scene. Since Wally was tuming blue and not breathing. CPR was started. Shortly after, employees Dave Larson and

Rockie Walker arrived with one of the newer rescue weapons: an automated external defi brillator.

An AED is a portable device that automatically analyzes heart rhythm of a patient in cardiac arrest, advises a rescuer whether a shock is needed to restore a normal heart beat. and then delivers an electric shock that restarts the patient's heart. Experts estimate that 200.000 Americans die of cardiac arrest each year. but up to 50.000 of these deaths could be prevented with immediate use of an AED.

In Raymond's case. CPR alone was not working. After several shocks from the AED. he finally responded. returning to spontaneous heartbeat and respiration before the ambulance arrived.

"Our facility is located l5 miles out of town and even the best emergency response takes up to 20 minutes." said QB safety administrator John Gallogly. "Without James' training and cool head. there is not much doubt that the successful outcome for Wally could have been. instead, a fatal accident."

After the incident. QB purchased a second AED. "The value of this equipment. especially in our 'extended family' of employees. is beyond words." said Gallogly.

Boise Closing Veneer Mill

Boise Cascade will permanently close its 43-year-old veneer mill in Independence, Or., January 25,2007

"The lack of affordable logs and an ample supply of veneer from our other operations in the region are the primary reasons we are closing the Independence mill," said Bruce Cartmel, Western Oregon regional manager. "We regret the impact this closure will have on our employees and their families." The mill's 29 employees will be laid off.

The facility manufactures wood veneer that is sold on the open market and used in plywood and engineered wood products, such as Boise's BCI I-joists and laminated veneer lumber.

The mill equipment and property will be sold following the closure. No timeline has been established for sale of the property.

Huttig Continues Trimming

Huttig Building Products continues to pare back operations following the loss of $13.1 million in third quarter 2006. Most of the loss was attributed to a charge of $17.2 million as part of a restructuring.

During the fourth quarter, Huttig expects to reduce its work force by 130 positions and close two smaller DC's in the East.

"While no company wants to take these actions," said Jon Vrabely, chief operating officer of the St. Louis. Mo.-based distributor, "we believe they are necessary to improve our cost structure and operating margins, and ensure that Huttig remains focused and operates at maximum efficiency during the current weakness in the housing market."

During the third quarter. Huttig closed three DC's in the Midwest.

Handy Hardware Joins DA

Handy Hardware Wholesale. Houston, Tx., has joined Distribution America, which recently restructured and moved its headquarters to Charlotte, N.C.

"Handy Hardware is one of the largest, most well respected distributors in our industry, and they truly fit with our organization," said Dave Christmas, president of DA. "Handy enhances our value to the vendor community by broadening our retailer base and increasing our purchases giving us greater leverage to promote products through retailers."

Handy Hardware serves more than 1.150 independent hardware stores. home centers. and lumberyards in l0 states. The 45-year-old firm had sales of more than $225 million in 2005. its last year affiliated with Pro Hardware.

SPI Invited On Air Force One

Dan Tomascheski. v.p. of resources for Sierra Pacific Industries, Redding. Ca.. was selected to represent the industry and discuss forestry issues with President Bush aboard Air Force One. The president was stumping in Northern California before the recent elections.

"Throughout the discussion, the president was relaxed, knowledgeable, and a regular kind of guy," said Tomascheski. "He even gave our small group a personal tour of Air Force One." After the meeting, the president talked about his ranch in Texas. where he has planted several thousand acres of native oaks.

Tomascheski said that being invited to the meeting was a tribute to how Sierra Pacific does business. "We are recognized as being knowledgeable, credible. responsible in our business practices and for how we take care of the land and its resources."

llanufacturers of High Quality Incense Ceda-r and White Wood

Sierra Cedar Products, LLC is located in Marysville, California. Our location is excellent for quick shipment via truck, pig van or rail to all locations nationwide and world wide.

. Air seasoning creates stability in our products.

o Current total production in excess of 40 million bd. ft. per year.

. Grading in accordance with WCLIB and WWPA.

. Delivered prices available upon request.

. Full load volumes only.