Product Picks: October 2022

Nov 22, 2023

Epicor's BisTrack is a user experience interface that the company touts as a modern, easy-to-use platform that enables employees to work remotely while simplifying common business practices. Users can schedule, dispatch and deliver product, optimize truck and driver usage, and minimize errors. With new extended support with WMS to support tagged packs, users can track by pack rather than by individual units, and rate shopping with Epicor Quick Ship allows users to see preview shipping rates with FedEx or UPS. epicor.com

According to Boise Cascade, its Versa-Lam LVL beams and headers deliver better bending strength and E-value as well as eliminate twisting, shrinking and splitting while delivering flatter, quieter floors and structures. Because they have no camber and strength is consistent throughout, Versa-Lam LVL products support heavier loads and longer spans than comparable glulam or dimension lumber products. Additionally, Versa-Lam LVL products are designed to match BCI and AJS Joists and are available in multiple widths and depths for residential, light commercial, and multifamily construction. They come with a lifetime guarantee and are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. bc.com

ECI's Spruce suite of software gives customers a way to manage business operations in one integrated end-to-end solution. With features that handle purchasing through delivery, ECI says that Spruce can eliminate redundancies and improve communication across the organization. Advanced reporting and dashboards enable users to analyze performance and monitor KPIs. As well, Spruce gives users the ability to stay connected with up-to-date company information and communication at any time from any internet-enabled device. And with its recently launched ProLink, LBM businesses can offer their key accounts direct access to account information, delivery scheduling and online shopping. ecisolutions.com

Sol-R-Skin BLUE roofing underlayment from Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions is a UV resistant, thermal insulating and reflective underlayment. According to the manufacturer, the blue surface helps reduce sun glare during installation, and its aluminum foil facer and fiberglass insulation deliver an R rating of 5.5 while offering Class A rated fire resistance when used with stone-coated steel, concrete, and clay tile roof systems. A 450-sq.-ft. roll weighs 45 lbs., quickly nails into place, and its adhesive strip at the headlap helps prevent wind uplift. Sol-R-Skin BLUE can be installed in any climate, comes with a 30-year limited warranty, and meets or exceeds all national, Florida, and Miami-Dade building code requirements. As well, it's listed with California's Office of the State Fire Marshal to be used in fire resistant roof systems in the Wildland Urban Interface regions. westlakeroyalroofing.com

According to Weyerhaeuser, its Parallam PSL beams add strength and reliability to structures, makes longer spans possible, and allows for more design options with open, spacious floor plans. They deliver excellent connection performance, are available in long lengths, and are covered by a comprehensive warranty. When sanded and stained or painted in exposed interior floor plans, Parallam PSL adds dramatic emphasis to long spans. They can be cut to length on-site and fastened with common hardware, are easily sealed and stained on-site, and are manufactured to resist shrinking, twisting, or bowing. weyerhaeuser.com

Buildxact provides take off, estimating, and project management for the homebuilding, construction, and remodeling industries. Rather than requiring the user to purchase additional modules or add-ons at additional cost to increase capability, Buildxact is available as a complete full-capacity, all-in-one platform. Its Merchant Pro subscriptions enable LBM dealers to connect their ERP systems with custom home builders and remodelers so LBM dealer customers can produce more accurate estimates, win more work, and order more materials from their integrated LBM dealer. Enhanced features promise to allow LBM dealers to reduce cost of sale and increase quote-to-award conversion rates by collaborating digitally with customers when responding to builder RFQs. buildxact.com

In response to the demand for minimalism and clean lines, Key-Link Fencing and Railing has reissued its external cable fittings as smaller parts, which, according to the manufacturer, means they require less raw material and have less bulk but still possess the same tensioning capability. According to Key-Link, these fittings can be used with wood, masonry, concrete, or aluminum posts, and the unique, proprietary system makes installation easy, using only a few standard tools. keylinkonline.com

Edge Premium Primed trim and fascia from Universal Forest Products is made from radiata pine and is available in a reversible profile (S1S2E) with both faces offering a unique textured appearance. Each trim and fascia board is knot-free, finger-jointed (for reduced defects) and edge-glued with a high quality exterior adhesive that binds the wood during production. According to UFP, this process enhances both the board's appearance and performance, especially when a long run is needed. Premium Primed trim boards are also available with XTP (Exterior Topical Preservative) for protection against rot and termites. ufpedge.com

Builderwire's IBOS is an internet-based ordering system that integrates an LBM dealer's products with a customizable account system and a B2B/B2C e-commerce module to maximize business potential. According to Builderwire, IBOS allows LBM dealers to create an interactive web storefront system that showcases their product catalog while giving their clients 24/7 access to manage their account information and other balance details. builderwire.com

Evolve Stone's stone veneer is designed as the world's first mortarless, colort-hroughout stone veneer with realistic appearance and texture. According to the manufacturer, because Evolve Stone is installed using a nail gun and finish nails, it installs up to 10 times faster than traditional stone veneer. Evolve Stone is engineered to not hold moisture against a structure, which other veneers can do. As well, Evolve Stone is designed to be durable and lightweight, which is said to make installation easier for homeowners and DIYers. Shown here in its National True style, Evolve Stone won Best in Show and Most Innovative Building Material at the 2022 International Builder's Show. evolvestone.com

Westbury Veranda aluminum and glass deck railing from DSI features powder coated aluminum rails and posts with tempered glass panel infills. According to DSI, Veranda aluminum posts and rails are lightweight and easy to install and provide a high level of durability and strength. Westbury Veranda is available in 12 standard powder coated colors with a choice of smooth or textured surfaces, is engineered to provide a safe enclosure for children and pets, and is code approved for residential and commercial railing applications. All DSI Westbury Aluminum Railing comes with a lifetime limited warranty from DSI. westburyrailing.com

New to Modern Mill's product lineup, ACRE wood alternative siding is a sustainable, durable alternative that looks and feels like real wood but is made from upcycled rice hulls. Available in shiplap and board & batten designs, ACRE is water-, weather-, and pest-resistant and guaranteed not to rot or splinter. According to the manufacturer, ACRE can be cut and installed like wood, accepts paint and stains, allows for blind fastening, and the shiplap planks are available in 12′, 16′, and 20′ lengths. Modern Mill points out that ACRE is produced in a zero-waste manufacturing environment, and one pallet of the siding saves one acre of rainforest or hardwood species. modern-mill.com

Paladin Data Corporation's products give businesses a single point of control for their entire operation from ordering and inventory control to final sales and delivery. The latest release of its Paladin Pilot remote management software contains features which include new mobile capabilities that, according to Paladin, significantly enhance an LBM dealer's online presence while providing new ways to easily expand product lines. paladinpointofsale.com

Feeney recently introduced ColorEasy, a new powder coating program for its DesignRail aluminum railing system and awning kits. ColorEasy was developed to complement popular exterior and interior finishes and features 15 fade-resistant colors and three simulated wood grains that meet AAMA 2604 specifications for superior color retention, plus resistance to impacts and weather. feeneyinc.com

Touted as delivering unrivaled blade life along with faster, cooler cutting, the fourth generation of the Metal Devil saw blades are reported to create cleaner cuts in metal. According to the manufacturer, the steel cutting blades have a 220% longer life than the previous generation of Metal Devil blades and last more than 30% longer than the top competitors when cutting Unistrut and square tubing. The aluminum/non ferrous cutting blade boasts 153% longer life than the top competitor in 80/20 and 48% longer life in aluminum plate, and the stainless steel cutting blades have 328% longer life when used on stainless steel tube. mkmorse.com

From onboarding to invoice presentment to collections, Suppli's technology empowers LBM dealers to increase cash flow, reduce risks and provide a better customer experience. Developed by a team composed of building material suppliers, software engineers, and financial experts, Suppli features 24/7 access from any device and frees up sales and credit teams by automating routine tasks like sending invoice reminders and preparing lien waivers. gosuppli.com

With its dense construction that reduces impact noise while increasing floor stability, QuietBoard minimizes flex between planks to make floors solid underfoot, raises floor height to remove trip hazards, and adds to home insulation value to help reduce heating and cooling costs. QuietBoard also features ECO Wick, a built-in vapor barrier that protects the overlying floor from water above, while its antimicrobial-treated fibers protect against moisture below the floor's surface. mpglobalproducts.com

The Roswell is a first-of-its-kind for KEEN Utility—a work boot with versatility that makes it a standout for warm conditions. With a fold-down collar and breathable canvas upper, the Roswell enables a seamless transition from the job site to off-the-clock wearability. Additional comfort is provided by a KEEN.ReGen midsole that returns 50% more energy than standard EVA foam and asymmetrical carbon fiber toes that are 15% lighter than steel. The oil and slip-resistant, non-marking, multidirectional lugged rubber outsole maximizes surface area and improves traction, while an EH-rated outsole protects the underfoot from live electrical circuits. keenfootwear.com

Paradigm Omni quoting and selling software makes configuring and quoting complex building products fast and easy. This omni-channel selling solution offers online, in-home, in-store, and dealer functionality to help maximize sales and reduce tech stack. It allows users to take advantage of quoting and configuration capabilities that work seamlessly together, giving users the option to evaluate project data and information needed to make recommendations based on demographics, square footage, zip code, and more. myparadigm.com

Stay Updated

Get our email newsletter with LBM industry trends, data, new products, and best practices.