(BSNS WIRE) Network Forest Products Leads in Forest Products Technology
Network Forest Products Leads in Forest Products Technology
Business Editors
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 1999--Network Forest Products
Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Value Holdings, Inc., (OTC BB:VALH)
is using leading edge technology to cut costs, increase efficiency and
save trees.
Robert Ziner, President of Network and CEO of Value Holdings, has
been a long time believer in using technology in the lumber business.
"Using the latest technology is one of the keys to increased
productivity and increased customer service," according to Ziner. "I
first introduced computers for accounting and sales into my father's
lumber company, John Ziner Lumber, Ltd., in the mid 1970s. That
investment paid for itself quickly."
Starting September 1, 1999, Network will be implementing Javalin,
a customized modular software package designed for the company that
will handle all sales, purchases, inventory and accounting functions.
All the modules can interact with each other and allow management to
have an accurate picture of the state of the company. The system is
intended to streamline the company's processes and increase
productivity according to Suresh Balendra, Network's head of
information technology. The system will operate on the company's newly
installed WindowsNT based network.
The use of technology at Network Forest Products goes beyond just
computer systems for accounting and administrative work. Ziner has
developed and patented an artificial intelligence system called
Opti-Stress which determines the optimum way to cut each board. This
system has the potential to increase gross margins by up to 400% and
also reduce labor costs. The increased efficiency of the system also
has the potential to increase output while using fewer trees. The
system has been called "leading edge" according to an article in the
Toronto Sun featuring Ziner and the Opti-Stress System. The system has
not yet been implemented at Network, which uses a mechanically
integrated inline wood processing system as opposed to Opti-Stress'
computer integrated system. Network does however operate a prototype
of the system.
Network also intends to integrate Cutler Forest Products,
Seabright Wood Fabricators, and Harron Home Hardware into the Javalin
system.
"With Cutler and Seabright we are dealing with two warehouses
totaling over 140,000 square feet, a delivery fleet, and a
state-of-the-art wood component shop. It is essential that we are able
to utilize and allocate each of these resources efficiently," said
Ziner. "By networking each of these locations together we will know
which resources aren't being utilized and reallocate them." While
Network and Cutler are not in the same sector of the forest products
industry, Ziner believes there is sufficient overlap that there can be
a cross-utilization of resources. Cutler is a manufacturer of plywood,
composite materials, and pre-manufactured components which are used in
making cabinets, shelving, store fixtures and furniture. Cutler also
sells its products to retailers such as Home Depot.
--30--cp/mi*
CONTACT: Gemini Integrated Financial Services Corp.
Hollywood, Fla.
Jon Leinwand, 954/924-1567
KEYWORD: FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CANADA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOREST PRODUCTS RETAIL COMED
COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
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