Crate Generator, a software program for designing wooden crates and containers, was first introduced in the 1980s. In the 1990s, a later version was named Easy Crate. Earlier versions of the programs were limited to designing only a few styles of wooden boxes and crates.
"While other crating software companies are still working on solutions that can design a crate with more than just a handful of options, we’ve been doing it for years," said Jeff Duck, lead developer at Deploy Tech.
The latest version of software from
Deploy Tech, Crate Pro v.5, offers more than 150 crate styles with over 15,000 design options.
Deploy Tech, which changed the name of the software to reflect the different functionality of the newest version, plans to release its latest program, Easy Crate v.6, before the end of 2005 and follow up early next year with Crate Pro v.6. The new architecture of the upcoming v.6 series will virtually remove any design restrictions, making the number of options immeasurable.
"Our new v.6 software series will blow the doors off the old versions," said Jeff.
New features will include:
• Graphic design tools
• QuickBooks integration
• More control over individual
components
• More dynamic component resizing
Deploy Tech is not yet disclosing all the new features in Crate Pro v.6, but Jeff indicated they would also include multi-location access, Web-based customer interfaces, touch screen controls at saws, and better splice controls. These features and more are expected to be implemented in the version that is scheduled to be made available in the first quarter of next year.
Both Easy Crate and Crate Pro will continue to run on the FileMaker database so users can quickly find, copy and summarize any design in seconds. Easy Crate will sport a new graphic design interface to allow users to see the results as they create a design. Each panel drawing will be on the same screen as the component settings so you can fine tune your design faster. Also, just like the current version of Crate Pro, users can design and manage crates and pallets together. Settings, values and documents can be stored electronically and retrieved later.
The new Easy Crate v.6 is expected to have many of the design features that were included in Crate Pro v.5, but they will be enhanced. Some of the carried-over features will include:
• Pricing accuracy to within pennies (closer on pallets)
• Manufacturing times breakdown by saw
• Print or e-mail quotes
• Wood boxes and pallets in one program
• Full cut sheet with lots of notes
• Attach photos and documents to the design record
• Exact conformance to almost every ASTM and military specs
• Stores all designs for fast retrieval; complete material list (including fasteners)
The core of Deploy Tech’s crating software is the calculation engine. While other companies have dabbled in 3-D presentation, Deploy Tech has focused on the business benefits of its software.
"Business software is worthless if it can’t improve your company’s accuracy, consistency and profitability," said Jeff. "We keep this in mind with everything we develop."
Earlier versions were known for their manufacturing times and pricing accuracy. According to Deploy Tech, its software has been used to design crates over 100 feet long and on runs of over 100 boxes. On one of the first tests on a run of about 100 wooden boxes 18 years ago, the program’s total price varied by less than 30 cents per box from the hand-calculated price. Deploy Tech’s software calculates times and prices down to individual fasteners.
"Crate Pro is the only software available that can design an actual crate and not just a wood box," said Jeff. It also
can design every variation of a U.S. military C-104 crate to exact specification, he said.
Deploy Tech sold thousands of licenses for its software by the late 1990s and had customers on nearly every
continent.
"For the crating and pallet business, it’s the best thing since sliced bread!" said Dave Onions of Crates Are Us in Cleveland, referring to Crate Pro v.5. "I like everything about the program."
Marcel Gauthier of Skid-R-Crate in Toronto, added, "As fast as the customer can tell me what they want, I can create a design. It’s so easy that just about anyone can generate a crate."
For more information, contact Deploy Tech at (800) 577-2447, e-mail sales@cratepro.com or visit the Web site at www.CratePro.com.
