Developing better communication between buyer and seller.

A common principle of management is being able to communicate in the proper language to the proper people. We don't speak a foreign language to a group of people unless they know and understand that language. Everybody is more receptive to communication when the messages are transmitted in their

To best facilitate full understanding by two groups speaking two languages, a study of both languages makes both parties more effective in communicating.

Dimension manufacturers need to understand and communicate with purchasers in the purchasers' language, because the purchasers' needs are the ones to be filled. But it is equally important that purchasers be able to understand and communicate in the dimension manufacturer's language.

Where can that language be found? It can be found in the Rules and Specifications for Dimension and Woodwork published by the National Dimension Manufacturers Assn. The National Hardwood Lumber Assn. recognizes the NDMA rulebook for establishing the rules for measurements and inspection of furniture dimension stock. This includes partially or fully machined, and solid or glued-up dimension stock.

Even though some geographic areas and specialty products have some unique definitions and phrases, the NDMA Rules & Specifications book also realistically represents what can most often be economically manufactured from mill run lumber, even though the average grade of lumber and logs is going more and more toward the common grades.

Some manufacturers use these grades for their basic plant grades and add a few specialty grades. By having standardized grades in production, consistent quality is far more practical than trying to teach production people the unique grades for each customer. Tracking costs, maintaining yields and controlling inventories become more feasible, which means more consistent quality, service and prices. This also allows the purchasers to more exactly fulfill their expectations.

The bottom line is fewer surprises and the opportunity for better purchasing control. By using as many of the standards in the NDMA Rules and Specifications as practical, a fairer comparison of vendors is much more possible. There is plenty of room within the NDMA Rules and Specifications to make specific requests for color, machining, terms, etc. However, the more unique the specification, the more likely costs will be higher, too.

The NDMA's "Rules and Specifications for Dimension and Woodwork" are printed in this Dimension Purchasing Guide. To order our handy pocket-sized version of the NDMA Rulebook, send $3 per copy to: