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RightCall…. Presents ALEX....

• ALEX, the Advanced Lumber grader EXercises, is the most innovative and comprehensive computer-based training application ever developed to screen, train, improve, monitor, and motivate lumber graders.
   

• ALEX uses the power of Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) to make training interesting and realistic while increasing both understanding and retention. This makes the process easier and less time-consuming for both the grader and the supervisor.
   

• ALEX consists of over 4 years of initial development time, testing and improvement.
   

• ALEX was built with the collaboration of an expert agency inspector and trainer together with experts in the field of computer based training. SPIB, WWPA, and WCLIB contribute support material and content review.
   

• ALEX contains over 1500 knot video clips used for simulated grading practice, accesses to all the NGR rules for dimension lumber, grading tips, simulations, definitions, photos, 3D diagrams, glossaries, interactive simulations, lessons on reading a tape, simple explanations of fractions and proportions for lumber graders, explanations of all the defects and characteristics of softwood dimension lumber, and simple methods for grading knots on the chain, all presented in a format of restricted sequential instruction.

Within months after installation our customers claim up to 4% improvement in grade recovery = $$$$,$$$.¢¢

We have been expanding and improving our system and have installed the ALEX lumber grader training and improvement program all over North America. We have added lessons and rule reviews for STUD, SEL STR, LF and PRIME grades. You can now customize the program to meet an individual mills needs.

Use this innovative training and improvement program to help your graders do a better job of maximizing the value of your production.

With ALEX you can help your graders to always…

…“Make the RightCall”

The Basic Program* consists of a series of 17 interactive lessons with quizzes and rule reviews covering the grading of 2” dimension lumber. The system is designed to speed the training of new graders and to fill in gaps in knowledge of experienced graders.  It provides an introduction to lumber manufacture, grading terminology, the importance of grade yield and describes the grades of No.1 No.2 and No.3 dimension (LF, Structural LF and Structural Joist and Planks). The training reviews all the defects and characteristics of Dimension lumber covered in the NGR, with lessons on fractions, proportion and reading a tape measure. Also included are four unique lessons on the evaluation of knots quickly and accurately on the chain using the “Total Measurement” technique, as well as a simple and comprehensive rules memorization and review section which can be used to periodically refresh all the graders on all the rules.

The Structural Light Framing 2x4 Knot Module: simulated knot grading tests and reviews, providing immediate feed back on all grade decisions using hundreds of knot video clips of 2x4 edge and combination knots.

The Light Framing Lessons: two lessons and two quizzes describing the grades of Construction, Standard and Utility as well as a rules memorization and review section covering LF grades.

The Light Framing Knot Module: simulated knot grading tests and reviews, providing immediate feed back on all grade decisions using hundreds of knot video clips of 2x4 edge and combination knots. Includes LF and SLF grades.

The Stud Lessons: two lessons and two quizzes describing the grade of Stud as well as a rules memorization and review section covering Stud grade.

The Stud Knot Module:  simulated knot grading tests and reviews, providing immediate feed back on all grade decisions of hundreds of knot video clips using 2x4 edge and combination knots which include LF, Stud and SLF grades.

The Select Structural Lessons: two lessons and two quizzes describing the grade of Select Structural as well as a rules memorization and review section.

The Select Structural Knot Module: simulated knot grading tests and reviews, using hundreds of knot video clips for reviewing the difference between No.1 and Sel. Str. 2x4 edge and combination knots.

The Prime Grade Module: two lessons and two quizzes describing the grade of No.1 Prime and No. 2 Prime.

The 2x6 to 2x12 Knot Modules: contain over 240 video clips on each of 8 CD’s for edge and combination knots in each width. Over 1,000 clips in all.

Italics = Under Development

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