3. The Design Outsource Path

Read this section if you outsource fabrication to external supplier.

Four Principles

This document is based on the experience of timber engineers who designs complex structures in Dietrich's and coordinates multiple fabrication suppliers. Their approach has proven successful on numerous large-scale projects. Here are four fundamental principles:

Principle 1: Know Your Manufacturer BEFORE You Design

The principle: You must identify which supplier will fabricate the components BEFORE you finalize your design in Dietrich's.

Why this matters: Different CNC machines have different capabilities that directly affect what you can design. See the table below:

Machine Type
Notch Width
Joinery Complexity
File Format

Hundegger Robot (newer)

30mm

High (complex joinery)

BVX

Hundegger/K2 (older)

40mm

Medium (standard cuts)

BVN

SCM and others

Varies

Medium

BTL

Hand-cut

N/A

Limited

2D drawings only

From the expert:

"If you put it in the wrong way or they change, we had this before, they change the supplier afterwards, you have to go in the machine data files and you have to change all the notches and stuff like this. So it's really important to think about, right?"

Practical impact: If you design with 30mm notches for a Hundegger Robot, then the supplier changes to an older machine that needs 40mm notches, you have to redesign everything. This is expensive and time-consuming.

What to do:

  1. Identify your regular suppliers

  2. Document their machine types

  3. Set up Dietrich's with appropriate tool dimensions

  4. Configure MOS groups by supplier from the start

Principle 2: 2D Drawings Are Binding (Machine Files Are NOT)

The principle: The 2D shop drawings (PDFs) are the legally binding specification. Machine files (BVX/BVN/BTL) are provided as a courtesy but are NOT contractually binding.

Why this matters: This establishes a clear quality control hierarchy and prevents disputes.

From the expert:

"A lot of people do the mistake. They say, okay, the machine data files are binding and they are too lazy to do single piece drawings... We have our single piece drawings where everything is dimensioned, all detail. It's more work, but it's a really clean hand over."

The hierarchy:

  1. 2D drawings (PDFs) = Binding Specification

    • Fully dimensioned

    • All details shown

    • Material specs included

    • Reference marks clear

    • Human-readable

  2. Machine files (BVX/BVN/BTL) = Provided but not binding

    • CNC toolpath instructions

    • Convenience for suppliers

    • Can be regenerated if needed

What this prevents:

  • Suppliers cutting corners.

    • Sometimes suppliers will misinterpret a file or they will edit a file, or delete a process in a file.

  • Lack of site verification

  • Dependency on machine file accuracy

    • Machine file formats are evolving. BVN/BVX has several versions; as does the BTLx file format.

What this enables:

  • Clear contractual responsibility

  • Site crews can check against drawings

  • Independent quality control

Principle 3: Organize by Supplier in MOS

The principle:

Use MOS Groups to assign components to suppliers, and use Packages to organize fabrication batches and deliveries.

Why this matters: This is the simplest, most effective way to coordinate multiple suppliers without complex systems.

A Common Setup:

MOS Groups (by supplier):
  -1 = Supplier A (Main CNC shop)
  -2 = Supplier B (Glulam manufacturer)  
  -3 = Supplier C (Hand-cut/specialty)
  -4 = Supplier D (Steel connections)

Packages (by fabrication batch):
  "Supplier-A-Floor1-Walls"
  "Supplier-A-Floor2-Walls"
  "Supplier-B-Glulam-Beams"
  "Supplier-C-Custom-Work"

Benefits:

  • Filter all Supplier A components: Display Settings → MOS Group = -1

  • Export machine files for Supplier A: Filter by MOS -1, export BVX

  • Generate material list for Supplier B: Filter by MOS -2, export CSV

  • Track deliveries by Package: Each package = one delivery batch

Principle 4: Trust But Verify at Delivery

The principle: Suppliers own their internal manufacturing processes (the "black box"), but you verify quality at the delivery boundary using 2D drawings.

Why this matters: You don't need visibility into supplier's shop floor operations. You just need correct components delivered on time.

From Jens:

"It's their fault if it's wrong. We give them the drawings, they fabricate it. If something comes to site and doesn't fit, we have the drawings. Site crew can verify against the drawings. Clear responsibility."

What you control:

  • ✓ Design specification (2D drawings)

  • ✓ Material requirements (material lists)

  • ✓ Delivery schedule (coordination)

  • ✓ Quality at delivery (inspect against drawings)

What you DON'T need to control:

  • ✗ Supplier's internal shop floor

  • ✗ Supplier's production schedule

  • ✗ Supplier's machine setup

  • ✗ Real-time manufacturing status

This keeps it simple. No need for ERP integration, no need for real-time tracking, no need for complex systems. Just good documentation and clear responsibilities.

4. The Fabrication Package: What You Actually Deliver

When you send work to a supplier, you're not just sending machine files. You're sending a complete fabrication package. Here's what's in it:

The Complete Package Contents

1. Machine Data Files (BVX/BVN/BTL/BTLX)

Purpose: CNC toolpath instructions for automated machining

Contents:

  • Tool paths and cutting sequences

  • Drilling locations

  • Milling operations

  • Process parameters

File format depends on supplier's machine:

  • BVX → Newer Hundegger Robots (30mm tools, complex joinery)

  • BVN → Older Hundegger, K2 machines (40mm tools, standard operations)

  • BTL/BTLX → SCM and other brands (various capabilities)

CRITICAL: These are provided for convenience but are NOT the binding specification!

2. 2D Single-Piece Shop Drawings (PDFs)

Purpose: The legally binding specification for each component

Contents (must include): xxxxxxx Ask Wil.

  • All dimensions clearly shown

  • Material specification (grade, species, moisture content)

  • All machining operations dimensioned

  • Reference marks and position indicators

  • Assembly notes where relevant

  • Project information header

THIS IS THE BINDING SPECIFICATION

Format: PDF (universal, printable, site-friendly)

Why PDFs:

  • Human-readable

  • No special software needed

  • Can be printed for site

  • Can be reviewed for quality

  • Clear legal document

Creation in Dietrich's: XXXXXX

  • Create Drawing Template

  • Filter by Package or supplier

  • Configure to show all required information

  • Export as PDF

3. Material/Timber Lists

Purpose: Raw material ordering and hardware specifications

Contents:

  • Component quantities

  • Raw material dimensions

  • Hardware items (screws, brackets, connectors)

  • Material specifications

  • Organized by supplier/package

Export formats:

  • Excel/CSV (most common)

  • PDF (for suppliers without systems)

  • XML (for automated systems - rare)

Customization by supplier type:

  • CNC suppliers: Focus on machined component lists

  • Glulam manufacturers: Stock sizes, lengths, grades

  • Hardware suppliers: Connector types, quantities, specifications

4. Assembly Drawings (if applicable)

Purpose: Show how components fit together (for Elements)

When needed:

  • Pre-fabricated panels

  • Complex assemblies

  • Trusses

  • Any element with multiple parts

Contents:

  • Overall dimensions

  • Part relationships

  • Assembly sequence

  • Reference marks matching component labels

5. Component Labels/Stickers

Purpose: Identification and tracking during fabrication and delivery

Information to include:

  • Part/item number

  • Project name

  • MOS information (Package, Element)

  • Position marks

  • Supplier identifier

  • Optional: Barcode or QR code

Creation in Dietrich's:

  • Configure in Label module

  • Include MOS data

  • Print or export for supplier

6. Loading Diagrams (optional but recommended)

Purpose: Transport planning and site organization

Created in: Dietrich's Load Planning module

Contents:

  • Truck layout

  • Component positions

  • Delivery sequence

  • Installation order hints

  • Weight distribution

Package Customization by Supplier Type

Different suppliers need different emphases in their packages:

For CNC Suppliers (Hundegger, K2, SCM):

✓ Machine files (BVX/BVN/BTL) - primary ✓ 2D drawings - verification ✓ Material list - raw material ordering ✓ Labels - component tracking △ Assembly drawings - only if pre-assembling

For Hand-Cut Suppliers:

✓ 2D drawings - PRIMARY (only usable document) ✗ Machine files - not applicable ✓ Material list - critical for ordering ✓ Extra dimensioning detail - compensate for no CNC ✓ Clear reference marks

For Glulam Manufacturers:

✓ 2D drawings - specification ✗ Usually no machine files (special equipment) ✓ Material list with very specific requirements:

  • Grade requirements (GL24h, GL28h, etc.)

  • Appearance class

  • Moisture content

  • Stock lengths available ✓ Connection detail drawings

File Organization Best Practices

Folder structure for each supplier package:

Copy

Project_Maple_Street/
├── Supplier_A_CNC/
│   ├── Machine_Files/
│   │   ├── Package_Floor1_Walls.bvx
│   │   └── Package_Floor2_Walls.bvx
│   ├── 2D_Drawings/
│   │   ├── W-201_SinglePiece.pdf
│   │   ├── W-202_SinglePiece.pdf
│   │   └── [all components...]
│   ├── Material_Lists/
│   │   └── Supplier_A_Materials.xlsx
│   └── Labels/
│       └── Supplier_A_Labels.pdf
├── Supplier_B_Glulam/
│   ├── 2D_Drawings/
│   │   └── [beam drawings...]
│   └── Material_Lists/
│       └── Supplier_B_Glulam.xlsx
└── Supplier_C_HandCut/
    ├── 2D_Drawings/
    │   └── [custom component drawings...]
    └── Material_Lists/
        └── Supplier_C_Materials.xlsx

Naming conventions:

  • Use consistent prefixes

  • Include package or supplier identifier

  • Include component ID or range

  • Use dates for versions if needed

  • Keep it simple and readable

5. Practical Workflow: From Design to Delivery

Here's the step-by-step workflow for the Design-Outsource model:

Phase 1: Project Setup

1.1 Identify Suppliers

  • List your regular suppliers

  • Document their machine types

  • Note their capabilities and constraints

1.2 Configure MOS in Dietrich's

  • Set up MOS Groups by supplier:

    • -1 = Supplier A

    • -2 = Supplier B

    • -3 = Supplier C

  • Create Package structure:

    • By delivery batch

    • By fabrication timing

    • By building phase

1.3 Configure Item Numbers

  • Set appropriate tool dimensions for each supplier's machines

  • Configure material database

  • Set up replacement item numbers if needed

Phase 2: Design with Supplier in Mind

2.1 Assign MOS During Design

  • As you create components, immediately assign MOS Group

  • Think: "Which supplier will make this?"

  • Assign to relevant Package

2.2 Design for Known Constraints

  • Use correct notch widths for supplier's machines

  • Consider supplier's material stock sizes

  • Design within supplier's capacity limits

Example:

  • Supplier A (Hundegger Robot): Can do 30mm notches, complex joinery

  • Supplier B (older system): Needs 40mm notches, simpler cuts

  • Supplier C (hand-cut): Large custom beams, standard angles only

Phase 3: Generate Outputs

3.1 Filter by MOS for Each Supplier In Display Settings (Function 1-7-1):

  • Show only MOS Group -1 (Supplier A)

  • Verify all components assigned correctly

  • Check for any missing assignments

3.2 Generate Machine Files (Supplier A example)

  • Filter display: MOS Group = -1

  • Machine Files module

  • Select components (filtered to Supplier A only)

  • Export format: BVX (for Hundegger Robot)

  • Save to: Project/Supplier_A_CNC/Machine_Files/

  • Filename: Package_Floor1_Walls.bvx

3.3 Generate 2D Drawings

  • Plans module

  • Filter by MOS Group -1

  • Generate single-piece drawings for all components

  • Include:

    • All dimensions

    • Material specifications

    • Reference marks

    • Project header

  • Export as PDF

  • Save to: Project/Supplier_A_CNC/2D_Drawings/

3.4 Generate Material Lists

  • Material Lists module

  • Filter by MOS Group -1

  • Include:

    • Item numbers

    • Quantities

    • Dimensions

    • Material specs

  • Export as Excel

  • Save to: Project/Supplier_A_CNC/Material_Lists/

3.5 Generate Labels

  • Label module

  • Configure to show:

    • Part number

    • Project name

    • Package name

    • Position marks

  • Filter by MOS Group -1

  • Export as PDF or send to label printer

3.6 Repeat for Each Supplier

  • Filter MOS Group -2 (Supplier B)

  • Generate outputs

  • Filter MOS Group -3 (Supplier C)

  • Generate outputs

Phase 4: Coordinate with Suppliers

4.1 Send Package to Each Supplier

  • Organize folder with all files

  • Include cover sheet with:

    • Project overview

    • Delivery requirements

    • Contact information

    • Due dates

  • Delivery methods:

    • FTP/cloud storage (large files)

    • Email (smaller packages)

    • Supplier portal (if they have one)

4.2 Request Quote (if needed)

  • Supplier reviews package

  • Returns quote based on:

    • Material lists

    • Complexity from drawings

    • Machine time estimates

  • You review and approve

4.3 Issue Purchase Order

  • Simple PO template

  • References the package

  • Specifies delivery date

  • Confirms pricing

4.4 Track Progress

  • Weekly check-ins with suppliers

  • Confirm delivery schedules

  • Adjust coordination as needed

  • Note: You don't need real-time shop floor visibility

Phase 5: Delivery and Quality Control

5.1 Delivery Coordination

  • Schedule deliveries by Package

  • Coordinate with site access

  • Plan laydown area

  • Ensure crane availability if needed

5.2 On-Site Inspection

  • Site crew receives delivery

  • Checks against 2D drawings

  • Verifies:

    • Correct components

    • Dimensions match drawings

    • Quality acceptable

    • Labels match documentation

5.3 Issue Resolution

  • If components don't match drawings:

    • Document with photos

    • Reference 2D drawings (binding spec)

    • Contact supplier immediately

    • Clear responsibility: supplier must remake or credit

5.4 Installation

  • Components verified as correct

  • Proceed with installation

  • Use assembly drawings for Elements

  • Reference marks guide placement

Tools You Actually Need

Essential tools (must-have):

  • ✓ Dietrich's CAD/CAM (obviously)

  • ✓ Spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets)

  • ✓ PDF reader/editor

  • ✓ Email client

  • ✓ Basic file storage (folders, cloud)

Helpful tools (nice-to-have):

  • Simple project management software (Trello, Asana, Monday)

  • Shared file storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, SharePoint)

  • Basic cost tracking database

Total software cost beyond Dietrich's: $0-500/year

That's it. You don't need ERP, MRP, MES, or complex integration systems.

6. What You DON'T Need (Anti-Complexity)

This is critical: Don't overcomplicate your workflow.

You DON'T Need ERP Systems

Why not:

  • You don't control manufacturing (it's the supplier's black box)

  • ERP won't improve supplier coordination

  • ERP integration is expensive ($100K-$1M+)

  • ERP training is time-consuming

  • ERP maintenance is ongoing

  • ROI doesn't justify cost for Design-Outsource model

What works instead:

  • Good MOS organization

  • Clear documentation (2D drawings)

  • Simple spreadsheets for tracking

  • Email and phone calls with suppliers

You DON'T Need Real-Time Tracking

Why not:

  • Suppliers won't share their internal shop floor data

  • You can't control their production schedule anyway

  • "Real-time" visibility doesn't speed up fabrication

  • Weekly status updates are sufficient

What works instead:

  • Clear delivery dates in PO

  • Weekly check-in calls

  • Buffer time in schedule for delays

  • Good relationships with suppliers

You DON'T Need Complex Integration

Why not:

  • Suppliers use different systems (or no systems)

  • API integration is fragile and expensive

  • Direct ERP connection rarely works

  • Most suppliers prefer simple handoffs

What works instead:

  • Standard file formats (PDF, Excel, BVX/BVN/BTL)

  • Clear folder organization

  • FTP or cloud file sharing

  • Manual but reliable processes

Keep It Simple Principle

Jens's wisdom:

"I've seen people spend $500K trying to integrate everything with ERP and complex systems. It never works smoothly. We use Dietrich's, PDFs, Excel spreadsheets, and email. Our projects run on time and on budget. The fancy systems just add complexity and problems."

Simple beats complex when:

  • You coordinate 3-5 regular suppliers

  • Projects are custom (not repetitive)

  • You don't own the manufacturing

  • Staff prefer straightforward tools

  • Budget is limited

Complex may be justified when:

  • ...actually, almost never for Design-Outsource model

  • Read Part 3 if you're vertically integrated and think you might need it

End of Part 2: Design-Outsource Path

You now understand:

  • ✓ Jens's four proven principles

  • ✓ What goes in a fabrication package

  • ✓ The practical workflow from design to delivery

  • ✓ What tools you actually need (and don't need)

If you're Design-Outsource, skip Part 3 and go to Part 4 for checklists and quick references.

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