For users that do not have Microsoft Access, the "backup only" utility can be used to create a straight (not compacted) backup copy of the database. This is an easy way to create a file that can be stored off-site. The backup database utility creates a copy of the database to which you are currently connected.  This utility does not compact the database.  Go to the File menu item, as shown below: In the window that appears (see picture below), you will need to navigate to the location where you want to store your backup.  Be sure to note the subdirectory...

Did you know? That if you are on the following grids: (1)  Blocks / Tracts / Sales (2)  Revenue Contracts (3)  Pay Contracts and you highlight a row and Right-Click that you can bring up your rates without plowing through the whole wizard? Check it out!

Calculating your equipment cost is not only important for measuring your profitability,  it is also important because many mills spend a great deal of time estimating equipment costs in order to set logging rates.  Specifically, they estimate the costs per productive machine hour that a contractor should be able to achieve for each machine involved in harvesting a cut block.  This rate-setting exercise theoretically ensures that you as the contractor earn enough to cover your equipment costs and earn a decent return on your investment. We now have an on line equipment cost caclulator that allows you to build up to the hourly cost of...

Interesting Press release from Canfor: "February 11, 2011 – Vancouver, B.C. – Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) announced today that, following a review with its Board of Directors, the Company will be proceeding with capital improvement projects totaling $62 million at its Vavenby, Polar and Plateau operations in British Columbia. The projects are part of a capital spending plan for 2011 totaling $145 million, and a three year strategic plan that calls for total investment in sawmill improvement projects of $300 million. Following completion of the capital upgrades at its Vavenby mill, Canfor will be restarting this operation sometime in the third quarter...

Did you know? When you enter Loads in the Ticket window, you can use the F9 key to "click" the Save/Add button. If you hate the mouse and love the keyboard, this tip is for you!

There is a feature in the Logger's Edge that not many people are aware of that lets you set up rates based on mileage ranges.  For example, if a trip is 0-50 miles you could set up a rate of $60.00, and if the trip was between 51 and 75 miles, you could set the rate at $75.00.  If the trip is 76 to 100 miles you could make the rate $100.00, and so on.  We call this type of rate structure a step-rate structure because there are discreet breaks in the rates at certain cutoffs.  This is distinguished from a...