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Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 25 35 smart machinery and AI platforms in the industry, automating the collection of plant floor data and feeding it directly into your ERP is a no brainer." Real-Time Insight = Real-Time Decisions Software platforms are making major inroads into real-time insight and efficiency. Platforms like Zira are layering AI and telematics over pallet operations, tracking machine efficiency, employee productivity, and repair cycles in real- time. Telematics is the integration of sensors, software, and connectivity that allows machines to capture, transmit, and analyze operational data. It is how machines "report back" on what they're doing in real time. Imagine your pallet machinery constantly sending updates and insights— about temperature, uptime speed, output, downtime—to a dashboard, mobile phone, or software platform. at's telematics at work. Instead of waiting until week's end to review output, managers can act on live data: reallocating staff, identifying bottlenecks, or triggering maintenance. "Telematics is how you turn operations into profit. When machines and people stay connected in real time, every decision becomes faster, smarter, and more valuable," commented Elhay Farkash, CEO of Zira. Modern pallet machinery—from robotic sorters to conveyors and high-speed inspection systems—is now driven by PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), which control automation across nearly every step. Companies like Alliance Automation and Automated Machine Systems are leveraging these technologies to enable real-time decision-making and smarter, more adaptive operations. "Our recent collaboration with Alliance Automation is one example—bringing live production data into one platform helps remove the guesswork and improves how people plan their day," says Philip Varley, CEO at Pallet Connect. "And it goes beyond the plant. With tools like internal trailer real-time load scanners, teams can see how efficiently trailers are being utilized in real time and setup automated trailer switch notifications. ese aren't just technical upgrades but useful tools for the pallet industry." When Looking At New So ware, Look For Systems That: • Leverage real-time data to identify inefficiencies and boost productivity • Detect issues, automate maintenance, and deliver insights • Improve quality by streamlining workflows and eliminating manual tasks • Empower teams through accountability and performance tracking As workforce challenges continue, companies are equipping employees with the skills to oversee automation—rather than be replaced by it. ERP + Design = Streamlined Workflows Back-office operations are evolving too. ERP systems—including those from Pallet Connect, Pallet Insights, e PalMate ® Group, and Pallet Track— simplify inventory, billing, and repair tracking. But they also bridge the gap between design and execution. ERP platforms integrated with Smart Machinery enable automated data collection. Some even tie into the Pallet Design System ™ (PDS)—the industry- standard pallet engineering software. is allows teams to go from customer request to optimized design to work order in minutes, cutting waste and quoting time while improving material usage. Smarter, Not Harder: What It Really Means At its core, "working smarter" means making every movement count: • Less rework via automated quality control Mark Barford is NWPCA senior director of business partnerships. Prior to joining NWPCA in 2016, Mark held long-term execu ve leadership terms in the Na onal Hardwood Lumber Associa on and Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers. In his role at NWPCA, he brings an understanding of the lumber sector to support and facilitate connec ons in the wood packaging industry. He may be reached at mbarford@palletcentral.com • Less downtime from predictive maintenance • Fewer errors thanks to digital specifications • More output per employee, without burnout Most importantly, it means putting data to work—turning numbers into decisions and decisions into results. Looking Ahead is isn't the end of the transformation. As AI, IoT, and machine learning evolve, we'll see fully integrated facilities where design, production, and logistics communicate seamlessly. For the pallet industry, the future isn't just about better pallets—it's about smarter systems. Because the strongest operations in the next generation won't be those that work the hardest. ey'll be the ones who work the smartest. is article was researched and written by human industry contributors, with editing and polishing support from AI.

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