Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/763062
16 PalletCentral • November-December 2016 palletcentral.com software, such as EDI (electronic data interchange), the Pallet Design System™ and other database systems along with smartphones and tablets. A3: Microsoft Suite (specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint) are absolutes. As our customer base increases so does our use of these technologies. Our marketing team also enjoys using applications in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. A4: In the short term, we expect to see more bar-code labeling in more of our manufacturing facilities to help track how many pallets our team members are repairing each shift. We expect to continue seeing advancements in automation. In our industry specifically, our manufacturing facilities will continue to invest in automatic nailers and ergonomic equipment. Randy Panko, Blade Sales Manager, Wood-Mizer, LLC A1: We still use the fax machine to ensure that documents are received reliably. I also keep a notebook with me of current addresses, phone numbers, and my most immediate "things to do list" rather having all this info on an electronic device. A2: Spending as much time as I do visiting sawmills, pallet mills and attending tradeshows, it is essential that I have my laptop, smartphone and GPS. Emails, reports and following daily sales are difficult without these convenient "toys." Even though I use my cell phone as a GPS, I prefer my Garmin which is more visible in the vehicle, and user friendly. A3: With global operations, we communicate via Skype. This allows us to keep in touch with our counterparts in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. For travel, I use What's App, Tango and Messenger to communicate with my family. For travel arrangements Delta, IHG Hotels and Lyft get a lot of my attention. A4: This year Wood-Mizer invested in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Batesville, Indiana. We used a drone to monitor and document the construction process which was later used as an educational/ informational video for our worldwide employees and the public. We also developed product videos and photo shoots using a drone. Our marketing and IT department utilizes "Slack" which is an internal communication tool where information, files and videos can be quickly shared without using up email or server space. It is a great communication and instant chat tool for staying up to date on the latest projects. INDUSTRY