Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1099303
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • January-February 2019 39 Farhad Shahabi, PhD // Finite Element Analyst Farhad Shahabi, PhD is a finite element analyst who finds joy in engineering and programming. "I develop the engine, and it's really exciting when you see the results," he said. The latest PDS projects have Farhad building two new engines. One analyzes unit-loads of drums on the pallet and the other adds an analysis of sheet goods on a pallet. Farhad is currently developing a critical analysis for PDS. He explained "when you carry goods on pallets, especially for things like chemicals in drums, it's critical to know what the safe maximum load allows." "PDS currently offers drawing for unit- loads of drums. For the upcoming releases, PDS will have the capability of analyzing unit- loads of drums on pallets, in various scenarios. No other analyses exist for drums and sheet goods, so PDS will be the leading pioneer for this." All of these new features will be validated with testing this summer. Farhad holds a PhD in Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. In his spare time, Farhad enjoys traveling across the country to experience all the corners of the United States. Kevin Richey // Senior Software Engineer As the software engineer for PDS, Kevin Richey develops the graphics to match the engineering numbers, so you can clearly see the results. He's the user-interface guru for PDS. "Working directly with users is very rewarding; I learn more about how they use PDS, and provide technical support," said Kevin. He "loves to solve technical issues and create new features for PDS." Prior to each release, Kevin tries to 'break' PDS by running beta tests in advance of each release, which is the main reason why each PDS release has had minimal, if any, challenges. "The release of PDS v5.6© was another exciting project that went off smoothly," said Kevin. With eight languages involved, requiring additional programming, NWPCA hired Laila Zoghi, computer science student from Virginia Tech, to assist Kevin. Laila is excited to be part of the PDS team. Like his teammates, Kevin is excited about the next release. "It involves a new feature for PDS – a unit load analysis." The upcoming release gives PDS users the ability to run an analysis on the entire load – the pallet and the boxes on top of it. "I get to program the user-interface side, along with Kristen and Farhad who do the engineering calculations. It's puzzle- solving," Kevin explained. This teamwork is critical for the success of PDS functionality. "Our team of engineers feed off each other. We all bring new ideas and innovative approaches to the table." Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. Kevin's experience runs the gamut, from hands-on programming, to serving as a technical product manager and supervising a team of software engineers. In Kevin's spare time, it should come as no surprise that he enjoys board games, card games and computer games. Brad Gething, PhD // Director of Science and Technology Integration Based at the NWPCA headquarters in Alexandria, Brad is principal support for business strategy and leads education and outreach for PDS. "I'm in a unique position to help NWPCA explore business strategies and determine where we should pursue future PDS development," he said. "We expect to see more interest at the university level with the addition of unit load analysis to PDS." Students from Michigan State, VA Tech, and University of Wisconsin-Stout are some of the PDS collegiate users. Brad is the go-to expert for technical support to users seeking technical guidance and support, as part of the overall mission of NWPCA and PDS to provide exemplary customer service. He works with users to help them to maximize the benefits of PDS. "Sometimes, just changing a deckboard results in a more efficient and more durable pallet," said Brad. "It's particularly fulfilling