This thread caught my interest, so I've had a gander at the programs suggested.
I can see how these systems could be very useful if you were churning out MFC kitchen cabinets by the hundred, but for the small furniture workshop I just don't see it.
Most of our work is in veneered MDF. We just rip to width, biggest sizes first, and then cross-cut to length, using what's left to make the smaller componants. For visible faces, we like to centre any distinctive grain pattern.
Any off cuts go in vertical racks and are used up on future jobs. We never seem to throw anything away and our stock of off-cuts stays roughly constant.
I cannot see what difference a program like these would make except involving me in even more time playing on the computer instead of getting some work done!
There is a danger in embracing too much technology.
I wonder what Senior and Dom think.
Cheers
Brad the Luddite