Recommended Products

The Products listed below are products that I use and/or recommend to our True32 WebStore clients. These are products that I have either chosen not to distribute, or are unable to distribute based on resource limitations, space constraints or distribution policies and/or politics

-Bob Buckley

The new MacBook Pro has an intel chip and can be run as a dual boot machine (it can run on Apple OSX 10 or Windows XP), meaning that we can now run all of our cabinetmaking software on one of these really cool Apple computers. I have run KCDw, Business Partner, Report Center and QuickBooks on our new MacBook Pro, and all of the programs ran just as quickly as they do on any of my PC's.

-Bob Buckley

My new 30" Apple Cinema Display is by far the best computer monitor I have ever had. Everyday for several years I would go home with my side hurting from leaning toward my monitor to see all those small numbers in KCDw or QuickBooks, but not anymore. I can now sit back and relax, and just enjoy the fact that I can see everything clearly.

My cabinet clients also appreciate this massive monitor when I take them to my office to show them their cabinet layout in KCDw. I have not had one client that has viewed their design on this screen not comment on the monitor and how nice it is to be able to clearly see the cabinetry and all the details about the layout. It is also very impressive when I show them pictures of past projects on this screen. A good high resolution photo is as clear as any I have ever seen. The resolution of this monitor allows my better cabinetry photos to be perceived by my clients as what Keith Hill used to refer to as "eye candy".

-Bob Buckley

This is Dell's version of the large format LCD screen similar to the Apple Cinema Displays above. I do not own one so I can't speak for its quality or attributes, but it may be worth investigating for some of you. I do however own three of the smaller versions (two 21 inch models, and one 24 inch model), and they have performed perfectly.

-Bob Buckley

Backing up your data is not an option, it is a must do thing. The old saying goes something like this: it is not a matter of WILL your data get corrupted or lost, but WHEN will your data get corrupted or lost. Iomega has everything you could possibly want to backup your data, and they even have software that will automatically do it for you in the middle of the night while you are sleeping.

Don't do another thing before you take the time to log onto Iomega's site and order the products that are best for your situation, and implement your backup solution the minute you receive your new products. A portable firewire-USB hard drive is a good solution for many. You can have Iomega Automatic Backup do a backup at a certain time each day, then take this drive home with you, so no matter what, you have a safe copy of your data.

-Bob Buckley

While we are on the subject of backups, a good, NO, make that a great battery backup is an absolute necessity. You may think this battery backup is overkill for your particular application, but this is the best battery backup for your critical data PC's (any machines processing accounting, design and or engineering software). You simply cannot afford to allow a power outage or surge to destroy your precious data. Get this battery backup and put your mind at ease.

-Bob Buckley

Although this item my not be classified as an office item, it certainly can be classified as a time management tool. Used in conjunction with the TiVo Wireless Network Adapter, you can watch your favorite programs when it is convenient for you. You can actually determine what you want to record from any computer, in any location, at any time.

If you watch a lot of sports and find that watching programs when they are actually on to be inconvenient, then this TiVo unit is for you. It allows you to record two programs at the same time, or record one program, and watch another. If you have several of these units in different parts of your home, you can even record a program on one unit and transfer it to another unit to watch in a different room.

-Bob Buckley

The Router is the first key piece of any well-designed office network and will attach to your cable or DSL modem. This model includes a hardware firewall (better than a software firewall) and will allow for a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if needed. This component is what allows you to access the internet from every computer on your network.

-Bob Buckley

This PCI adapter can be installed in each of your PC's to allow them access to your wireless network. They are simple to install and typically will provide adequate signal in most small to medium-sized plants. Installing one of these cards in each PC is much easier than running Ethernet cable throughout your offices and plant.

-Bob Buckley

The Notebook Adapter can be installed into the PC Card Slot of any Notebook computer, and will not only give you access to your own wireless network, but any public wireless network in range, no matter where you are at. This is ideal for when you are traveling as most motels and hotels now provide FREE wireless internet access.

-Bob Buckley

This Sherpa wall reference unit is ideal for mounting your Operations Manual pages to the wall or directly to a machine for reference by the operators. There is no better way that I am aware of to put the information needed by your personnel right in front of them, which clearly sets them up for success.

-Bob Buckley

I use this planner for my long-term planning because it is based on a sound foundation of business principles that do not violate Biblical principles. If you want to improve your organizational skills, visit the Franklin Covey web site, and get yourself one of these planners, if you want to super charge your organizational skills, find one of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People seminars close to you and attend as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed.

-Bob Buckley

Before you can make a good business plan, you absolutely have to have a good personal spending plan. The Mvelopes system is an automated version of the old-fashioned envelope system that has worked for people for centuries, but without the need to have large amounts of cash on hand. Give it a try. It's free to try it so you have nothing to lose, but a lifetime of better spending habits to gain.

-Bob Buckley

A postage meter is another real time saver. Stop making and/or paying your employees to make all those trips to the post office to purchase stamps and to mail packages and parcels. Just print the amount of postage you need when you need it.
Another advantage is that your invoices, statements and any other items you mail to your customers look more professional when they have a metered stamp.

-Bob Buckley

I use this headset all day, everyday. For those who work in the office primarily but need the freedom to get up and go to another area of the office (visit the fax machine, grab a catalog from a cabinet, etc.), or on occasion go back into the plant (the headset up to 300 feet) and still carry on a conversation, this is the ideal tool to allow that. It does not work well in a noisy environment, but if I need to go and ask someone a question in the plant, I can still talk with the person on the phone most of the time if I am not right next to a very loud process or machine. I can also take or end a call when I am away from my desk by simply pushing a button on the headset.

-Bob Buckley

I use this headset when working on the shop, or calling tech support on a machine problem. You can hear the person on the other end over the machines, and the person on the other end can hear you, regardless to how loud the machine you are working at is, even if you whisper, the person on the other end can hear you. This is the ultimate multitasking tool, it allows you to continue to work while talking on the phone with your clients, employees or vendors. It will work with any cordless phone.

-Bob Buckley

If you make internet purchases on a regular basis, you need to seriously consider using a Discover Card. First, you can get a cash back bonus (my cash back bonus has been as high as $800.00 in a 12 month period). Second, they have one of the best methods to keep your card safe when using it for internet purchases. Download the Secure Online Account Numbers software onto your computer and each time you get to a web page (including True32.com), you will see a pop-up box that will actually fill in the WebStore order form for you and enter a one time use credit card number, which is impossible for a scammer to use again.

They also offer an online version if you happen to be making a purchase while using a public computer or someone else's computer to make an online purchase. Just go to the Discover Website and launch the Online Account Numbers software.

-Bob Buckley

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with Canon 18-55mm EF-S Lens was highly recommended to me by Doug Peck, a Las Vegas based True32 client with an extensive background in photography. If you would like to take professional quality photo's of your cabinetry projects, this camera, along with a little training from a local photography professional, or a course at your local community college could get you started down the right path.

I do not own this camera yet, but I will own one in the fairly near future based on Doug's recommendation, and the recommendation from several other cabinetmakers that bought it after attending one of Doug's photography seminars.

-Bob Buckley

What's the one thing you should remember about Lean manufacturing? In the words of Indigo Montoya in the movie Princess Bride, "Let me sum up": If you can't remember anything else, to understand and eliminate the 7 Wastes of Production is by far the most important.

The 7 Wastes are the root cause of all unprofitable activity, and all tools of Lean should be focused on getting rid of waste. Build a solid foundation of continuous improvement in your own plant through the endless pursuit of waste elimination. This poster will build awareness of the 7 Wastes that erode profit among your staff and motivate creativity and action by even those employees that are not well-educated in Lean manufacturing methods.

-Bob Buckley

How can such a simple concept such as "workplace organization" improve safety, eliminate wasteful motion, reduce errors, open up space, and make the factory more visual? The practice of "5S" (Sort-Straighten-Sweep-Standardize-Self-Discipline) is so powerful because it is so simple. The 5S activity is a key part of any Lean effort because it identifies waste and abnormality while making the job easier. Either as part of a kick-off to your Lean transformation or as an integral part of your day-to-day improvement culture, the 5S Lean Manufacturing Workplace Organization poster will remind and reinforce good habits for a neatness and efficiency.

-Gemba Consulting

We understand that developing a culture that promotes change is the hardest aspect of continuous improvement. We have identified the "10 Commandments" or 10 key rules to develop positive attitudes, encourage creativity, and keep the lines of communication open. Don't let the resistance to change be a pitfall that stalls your improvement efforts. Remembering the 10 Commandments helps keep the right mind set toward improvement.

-Gemba Consulting

Have you ever wondered why so many meetings seem to be ineffective? Maybe "The 3 Evils of Meetings" are plaguing your company! This poster will humorously remind people how to make meetings productive. Post it up wherever meetings are held and say good-bye to wasted time and hello to productive meetings!

-Gemba Consulting

The basis of all Lean activity begins and ends with good 5S and these Red Tags give structure to your 5S activity. Use these 5S Red Tags for the sorting and identification of items that are not needed around the shop floor, office or anywhere 5S is performed. Also included with each pack of 100 cards are 100 - 12" elastic strings which are essential to attaching the Red Tags to equipment and/or tools.

-Gemba Consulting

This is a great site to get almost any kind of industrial supply you could possibly need.

-Bob Buckley

Abacus has good prices on ink and toner, and if you print as many things as I do (i.e., drawings, estimates, proposals, purchase orders, invoices, etc.), you really need to save as much as you can on your ink and toner supplies.

-Bob Buckley

Packet8 is an internet phone service similar to Vonage, but is geared more towards business users. I personally do not use a service like this, but I have read some really good reviews on the services Packet8 offers.

-Bob Buckley

Just click on the link and get one. You won't regret it.

-Bob Buckley

Great fax to e-mail service. It makes it easy to get your faxes, even when you are away from your office.

-Bob Buckley

Work from anywhere just as effectively as you would if you were at your office, this is the best thing since pockets on a shirt.

-Bob Buckley

Set up virtual meetings with your family, clients, colleagues or even a few of your golfing buddies. The perfect solution to meeting with people scattered around the country.

-Bob Buckley

Just a bunch of really cool electronic stuff.

-Bob Buckley

If you prefer to exercise in the comfort of your own home, then I would recommend purchasing the best quality equipment that you can afford. You can set up a really nice area in a fairly small space to keep yourself fit and healthy. I would also recommend setting this area up with a television as well as access to a computer so you can keep your mind occupied and use the time to educate yourself on any topic you choose.

One key piece of equipment would be a treadmill. I would recommend one that can adjust the speed and incline based on your heart rate (this feature keeps you from getting lazy and keeps you in your target heart rate zone). This model is similar to the one I have and has the HR feature. The advantage to using a treadmill in your fitness plan is that no matter how bad the weather gets, you can still get in your workout. I almost always do my long runs outdoors, but I have the option to do them on my treadmill if the weather outside is dangerous. I typically will run about 13 miles per week on my treadmill and 10 miles per week outdoors.

-Bob Buckley

If your fitness level or joints won't allow you to walk or run, then an elliptical trainer may be a better solution for you. Again, purchase the best machine you can afford- don't skimp on this equipment. You can either pay the equipment manufacturers and farmers more now, or pay the doctor and health care facilities more later.

-Bob Buckley

Every good fitness plan will include some kind of total body resistance training, and a bench like this one, along with some dumbbells, will allow you to get a full body workout in a very small amount of space.

-Bob Buckley

These Power Blocks are a very ingenious way to give you a full set of dumbbells in a very compact space. I have used these for a number of years, and they are well made and extremely easy to use. Used in conjunction with a small bench like the one shown above, you can get a really good workout in a very small amount of space.

-Bob Buckley

For those of you who like to make a plan and then track your progress, a Polar Watch is a great way to monitor your time, speed, pace, calories, etc. This is a great tool to keep you motivated when running outdoors with no other way to know your speed and/or pace. It allows you to monitor your heart rate so you know just how hard you can push up that hill.

-Bob Buckley

For many Cabinet Makers, the Online Edition of QuickBooks is a great solution since you can access your financial data from any PC that has an internet connection. So for those that want to be able to do payroll or post and pay bills from their home or any other off-site location (i.e., motel, hotel, friend or relatives house), this Online Edition allows you to do those things without the need of a product like GoToMyPC.

-Bob Buckley

This is probably the product most used by cabinetmakers to do their accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and all other general accounting. This version is all the power the majority of cabinetmakers will ever need and is available in multi-user versions for those that need to have access on multiple PC's on their network, or need multiple employees to have access to all the accounting information at the same time.

-Bob Buckley

The Premier Edition just adds a few more bells and whistles, but for many these additional features are a must.

-Bob Buckley

The Enterprise Version is the ultimate multi-user accounting program and has a lot more capabilities than any of the other versions. This version can process reports in a fraction of the time that any of the other versions take, and allows advanced users to make many more changes without having to have all users log off so the administrator can go to single user mode to make the change.

-Bob Buckley

This version of QuickBooks Payroll is right for you if you don't need to file state payroll taxes (or don't need your accounting package to do the forms for you) and don't need tools such as Worker's Comp tracking.

-Bob Buckley

This version of QuickBooks Payroll is right for you if you prefer to handle your own payroll tax filings and need state forms or other tools such as Worker's Comp tracking.

-Bob Buckley

Using these products that are designed to work with QuickBooks will help you to save time and improve your efficiency. Most cabinetmakers already wear too many hats as it is, and licking envelopes, writing checks and filling out deposit slips is time that could be better spent on something more productive. You will be surprised at how much time can be saved by just using these checks, deposit slips and self seal envelopes.

-Bob Buckley

Policies Now is the ideal software for creating your own personalized Policy Manual quickly, accurately, and completely. It is simple to use and makes dealing with policy changes easy as well.

-Bob Buckley

Descriptions Now is the ideal software for creating your own personalized Job Descriptions quickly, accurately, and completely. It is simple to use, and makes dealing with employees and their job descriptions easy as well.

-Bob Buckley

Performance Now is a software tool for logging events, tracking goals, providing effective feedback, and writing employee reviews that maximize the potential of your employees.

-Bob Buckley

Create and reliably share PDF documents
Easily convert any document that prints to PDF to preserve formatting and ensure document integrity.

Easily convert files to PDF
Convert documents to PDF with one-button ease from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Access, and Publisher.

Scan to PDF with OCR
Scan paper documents to PDF and automatically recognize text with OCR technology to create compact, searchable PDF documents.

Convert e-mail to PDF
Archive e-mail or e-mail folders from Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes as PDF files to facilitate easy search and retrieval.

Capture web pages as PDF files Enhanced
Convert complete web pages, or just the portions you want, including or excluding rich and interactive media. PDF versions of web pages are easy to print, archive, mark up, and share.

-Adobe Website

Create and reliably share PDF documents
Easily convert any document that prints to PDF to preserve formatting and ensure document integrity.

Easily convert files to PDF
Convert documents to PDF with one-button ease from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Project, Visio, Access, and Publisher, as well as Autodesk© AutoCAD© and Lotus Notes©.

Scan to PDF with OCR
Scan paper documents to PDF and automatically recognize text with optical character recognition (OCR) technology to create compact, searchable PDF documents.

Convert e-mail to PDF
Archive e-mail or e-mail folders from Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes as PDF files to facilitate easy search and retrieval.

Capture web pages as PDF Enhanced
Convert complete web pages, or just the portions you want, including or excluding rich and interactive media. PDF versions of web pages are easy to print, archive, mark up, and share.

Convert and share 2D CAD
Convert DWG files to Adobe PDF files without using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

-Adobe Website

Adobe Creative Suite software is a complete solution for creating and maintaining interactive websites, applications, user interfaces, presentations, mobile device content, and other digital experiences, from prototype to finished product.

-Bob Buckley

Built with the drafter in mind, AutoCAD LT© streamlines day-to-day tasks, helping you complete projects more quickly and easily. Thanks to annotation scaling and layer properties per viewport, text and table enhancements, and full DWG native file format compatibility, the road to success is shorter than ever before.

-AutoDesk Website

FileMaker Pro is the #1-selling easy-to-use database software that helps you manage people, projects, assets and more – the easy way!

-FileMaker Website

Provides the productivity tools small businesses need to succeed.

• Microsoft Office Excel 2007
• Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
• Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
• Microsoft Office Word 2007

-Microsoft Website

Windows XP sets a new standard for performance and reliability. If you demand the most from your operating system, this version of Windows was designed for you.

-Microsoft Website

With TurboCAD Deluxe your options are unlimited. Packed with hundreds of professional drafting tools, incredible file support, video and interactive tutorials, photorealistic rendering and millions of symbols, TurboCAD Deluxe delivers everything you need. Quickly create presentation-ready home plans, technical drawings, mechanical designs, artistic illustrations, crafts, school projects and more.

-IMSI Website

TurboCAD Pro’s robust set of 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools enable users to create innovative designs for a wide range of industries and disciplines. TurboCAD also includes several industry-leading technologies, such as Spatial Technology’s ACIS® solid modeling engine, LightWork Design’s photorealistic rendering and lighting engine and material libraries, and Siemens PLM Software’s D-Cubed geometric and dimensional constant engine.

-IMSI Website