Efficiency has always been the cornerstone of success in the lumber industry, where rising costs, inflation, and the constant pressure to stay competitive make innovation a necessity. This is especially true for those in the sawmill business, where operations demand high productivity and precision. A recent testimonial from Nate Phillips, owner and manager of GL Beaumont Lumber Company, sheds light on how technology is transforming their business, helping them remain competitive even after 105 years in operation.
A Legacy of Sawmilling Meets Innovation
Nate Phillips, together with his wife, is a fourth-generation sawmiller. Their company, based in Ramsey, Illinois, purchases around five to six million feet of logs annually, specializing in walnut and white oak. Running a successful sawmill is no easy task, especially when it involves driving long hours to source quality logs. In the past, this work required extra manpower—two people were essential to handle the logging and scaling process efficiently. However, things have changed thanks to the RealWear headset provided by Voice Directed Tally Systems (VDTS).
In Nate’s words:
“The only way we were able to stay in business for so long is by really focusing on efficiency. One of the ways we’ve done that is by using this headset from VDTS.”
Revolutionizing the Log Scaling Process
The headset designed by VDTS has simplified the logging process for Nate’s business. By allowing him to perform tasks that once required two people, he has cut labor costs and improved efficiency. Nate recalls how the manual process used to be:
“I would take someone with me to paint and run the rule while I’d handle the hand tally system. The VDTS headset eliminates the need for that extra person. It’s like having someone else there with you.”
Wearing the headset, Nate can spray logs with one hand while scaling with the other. This hands-free technology increases productivity significantly—he can scale approximately 10,000 feet of tree-length logs per hour on his own, or nearly double that for logs that are already cut.
Personalized Support and Adaptability
For any new technology to be effective, it must be adaptable to the user’s needs. Nate emphasizes the exceptional customer support he has received from VDTS, particularly from Simon and the technical team:
“They’ll find a way to do it the way you need it done. If there’s a problem, they help you fix it or even move things around to make sure the system works for you.”
This level of customization is crucial for a company like GL Beaumont, which buys veneer all the way up the tree and needs to tag logs for identification purposes. With VDTS’s system, tagging logs is a seamless process, enhancing both accuracy and productivity.
A Technology That’s Here to Stay
Nate’s enthusiasm for the VDTS headset is evident, even as he humorously shares how his fellow loggers have nicknamed the device “George Jetson.” As they often ask, “Did you bring George with you today?” Nate responds with a smile: “Yep, George is with me.”
This lighthearted moment underscores a serious reality: in today’s lumber industry, embracing technological advancements like the RealWear headset from VDTS is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. As Nate wisely puts it:
“We’ve got to do everything we can to get every advantage that we can. And this headset by VDTS is one way to do that.”
Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Lumber Industry
Nate Phillips’ testimonial is a powerful reminder of the importance of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the lumber industry. The VDTS RealWear headset has become an indispensable tool for GL Beaumont Lumber Company, proving that even long-standing, fourth-generation businesses can thrive by embracing cutting-edge technology.
At Voice Directed Tally Systems, we’re proud to support companies like GL Beaumont, helping them achieve efficiency and productivity like never before. As the industry continues to evolve, we’re committed to providing solutions that make a difference, keeping businesses competitive for generations to come.
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