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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 21 the ability to design other types of wooden transportation packaging such as wire spools. How PDS 6.11 And Crate Design Work Together When Crate Design System arrives, users will already benefit from the advancements in PDS in several ways: • Shared foundational models: e refined algorithms behind fasteners, for example, can be extended into crate structures. • Seamless transition: Engineers familiar with PDS will find the learning curve gentler when working in the crate module because much of the same interface and design philosophy carries over. • Unified data sets: Specifications for wood properties and fastener inputs can be reused between pallets and crates, eliminating redundancy. Over 40 years of applied wood science built into pallets is directly applicable to crates. In addition, we expect to expand research into wooden crates, a topic that has received scant attention since the 1980s. e Crate Design System doesn't compete with PDS—rather, it complements and extends NWPCA's reach into the broader domain of wood packaging design used globally. Why This Ma ers For The Industry Looking ahead, the Crate Design System expands NWPCA's toolkit even further. By providing dedicated software for both pallets and crates, the NWPCA offers a more comprehensive suite of design solutions for wood packaging professionals. "e pallet is the foundation of the modern supply chain," DeLack emphasizes. "With PDS, we're making sure that foundation is as strong, sustainable, and cost- effective as it can be." By continuing to advance PDS while developing the Crate Design System, the NWPCA is helping the industry build a more resilient foundation, one that supports global logistics today and prepares for the diverse packaging challenges of tomorrow. We expect that by providing exceptional design tools like PDS, the industry will greatly improve wooden crate reliability and efficiency while reducing the time and effort required in their design. e world of potential crate designs is almost endless. To get started, the Crate Design System will cover two basic styles of crates: sheathed and cleated crates, and basic solid wood boxes. ese represent the most common styles used by the industry. Initially, industry standard dimensions for components will be used to provide starting points for custom crate designs. We plan to expand the number of supported styles in the coming years as well as incorporate more sophisticated capabilities such as analysis/optimization and full CAD integration. Once fully developed, the Crate Design System will revolutionize the industry with streamlined design processes, increased reliability, and conservation of resources just as PDS has done for the wooden pallet sector. To learn more about Crate Design System and receive updates on its upcoming release, visit palletdesignsystem.com/ support/faq-cratedesign. Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 21

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