palletcentral

44 Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 24 • Iterative Design Support: PDS identifies potential issues and suggests adjustments, facilitating swift re-designs and timely delivery. Expanded Unit Load PDS v6.8 introduces comprehensive unit load analysis for various packaging types, including plastic pails and corrugated boxes. Additionally, there is a strength analysis for pallets carrying drums and an analysis for "sheet goods," which are long, semi-rigid products that can carry some of their own weight. is feature, requiring detailed packaging specifications, offers potential cost savings through increased efficiency. Seamless Integra on And Industry Standards PDS designs are the foundation of the pallet business, providing valuable information beyond the design itself. e adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage business operations and analyze data seamlessly integrates with PDS. A new export option formats the Pallet Specification Sheet information for easy integration into various ERP systems, saving time and reducing data entry errors. PDS is also the only design tool in North America that incorporates industry standards. "If you don't want to use PDS, you're going to have a hard time finding any solution that automatically considers safety standards," added DeLack. Advanced Features And Customiza on Over the past 40 years, PDS has developed solutions for the most popular pallet designs. Each new feature added now becomes more specific to meet the evolving needs of pallet users and expand options for pallet designers. "For example, pallet users increasingly want an even surface between stringers and deckboards for better packaging support on the top deck and improved interfacing with handling equipment on the bottom deck," explained Brad Gething, PhD. "To facilitate this, PDS now allows for the addition of spacers between deckboards or 'trenched' stringers to recess the deckboards into the stringers." Extra-long pallets, typically characterized as two-way pallets with stringers without notches, often have thick bottom deckboards to allow side lifting with a forklift. PDS now includes a feature to analyze these pallets, provided the user specifies where the forklifts support the pallet, as this greatly influences the strength analysis. The Future: Increasing Accessibility e NWPCA and the PDS engineers are committed to developing innovative solutions for tomorrow's needs. In 2018, PDS expanded its accessibility by offering its interface in eight languages. And coming soon, a new web-based platform will offer many of the same features as PDS, allowing a broader user base to utilize the tool. Upcoming advancements that industry leaders can expect include the following: • "Wizard Mode," an AI- driven tool that helps users optimize pallet design. • e ability to support heavier loads—up to 20 tons—by using screws and bolts. • Specification of exact fastener positions to aid in the location of bolts and for setting up nailing machines. • Better predictions of block pallet deflections when in long-term rack storage. • Online access through a web browser. • Customized carbon calculator that allows businesses to share their environmental report card with customers. • Expand flexibility for blocks in block pallets that includes different block sizes and orientations, or the elimination of blocks all together. • Discontinuous deckboards (boards that do not span the entire width of the pallet) will also be available soon. PDS is the leading global software system for designing and manufacturing wood pallets, driving industry innovation with its cutting-edge engineering and technology. By delivering optimized, sustainable pallet designs, PDS enables manufacturers to achieve superior performance and efficiency. If you're not using PDS to streamline design and production processes, now is the time to start saving time and increasing productivity. Learn more about the Pallet Design System™ and get a free trial. Visit: palletdesignsystem.com. SOFTWARE CONT.

• Cover