How TMBR Rails Use Version Control to Drive Innovation Without Disruption

At TMBR, we know innovation is essential to scaling mass timber construction. But how do you introduce groundbreaking ideas—like advanced design tools, new scheduling algorithms, or next-generation "Frame-First" kits—without disrupting day-to-day operations? The answer lies in TMBR Rails, our digital and physical platform, which uses version control as a framework for safe, steady innovation.  

Inspired by the systems used in software development, TMBR’s version control approach enables us to test and refine new features without slowing down current projects. This means that every innovation is validated, seamless, and risk-free when introduced into live workflows.

Imagine a train—a sleek, efficient marvel gliding effortlessly along its rails, carrying passengers and goods to their destination. The train is powerful, but it’s the rails beneath it that make the journey possible. Without the rails, the train would falter, unable to navigate the terrain ahead. At TMBR, we see construction in much the same way. Buildings are like trains, ambitious projects propelled by creativity and innovation. Yet, without a robust system of rails—a framework to guide, connect, and support the process—the journey is fraught with inefficiencies, delays, and missed opportunities.

Enter TMBR Rails: the backbone of modern construction. Our platform is revolutionizing the industry by seamlessly integrating design, manufacturing, and on-site assembly. This is the story of how TMBR is building those rails, laying the foundation for a new era of construction that is sustainable, scalable, and smart.

What Is Version Control, and How Does TMBR Use It?

Version control is a method of managing changes. In software, this involves creating "branches" to test new code while keeping the main application stable. TMBR adapts this concept to both digital tools (like design software) and physical products (like mass timber components).

Here’s how it works:

Branching: Every new TMBR idea—whether it's a new connector design, VE model, or scheduling tool—starts on a separate branch. These branches are test environments where we experiment without affecting ongoing projects.
Testing & QA: Each branch undergoes rigorous testing. For physical products, we run small-scale pilots in manufacturing or on-site projects. For digital tools, we simulate workflows to refine functionality.
Merging: Once a branch passes all tests, it merges into the Main Branch, becoming part of TMBR’s standard offerings. This ensures the innovation is fully validated and ready for seamless adoption.

Branching: Every new TMBR idea—whether it's a new connector design, VE model, or scheduling tool—starts on a separate branch. These branches are test environments where we experiment without affecting ongoing projects.
Testing & QA: Each branch undergoes rigorous testing. For physical products, we run small-scale pilots in manufacturing or on-site projects. For digital tools, we simulate workflows to refine functionality.
Merging: Once a branch passes all tests, it merges into the Main Branch, becoming part of TMBR’s standard offerings. This ensures the innovation is fully validated and ready for seamless adoption.

Branching: Every new TMBR idea—whether it's a new connector design, VE model, or scheduling tool—starts on a separate branch. These branches are test environments where we experiment without affecting ongoing projects.
Testing & QA: Each branch undergoes rigorous testing. For physical products, we run small-scale pilots in manufacturing or on-site projects. For digital tools, we simulate workflows to refine functionality.
Merging: Once a branch passes all tests, it merges into the Main Branch, becoming part of TMBR’s standard offerings. This ensures the innovation is fully validated and ready for seamless adoption.

Branching: Every new TMBR idea—whether it's a new connector design, VE model, or scheduling tool—starts on a separate branch. These branches are test environments where we experiment without affecting ongoing projects.
Testing & QA: Each branch undergoes rigorous testing. For physical products, we run small-scale pilots in manufacturing or on-site projects. For digital tools, we simulate workflows to refine functionality.
Merging: Once a branch passes all tests, it merges into the Main Branch, becoming part of TMBR’s standard offerings. This ensures the innovation is fully validated and ready for seamless adoption.

Branching: Every new TMBR idea—whether it's a new connector design, VE model, or scheduling tool—starts on a separate branch. These branches are test environments where we experiment without affecting ongoing projects.
Testing & QA: Each branch undergoes rigorous testing. For physical products, we run small-scale pilots in manufacturing or on-site projects. For digital tools, we simulate workflows to refine functionality.
Merging: Once a branch passes all tests, it merges into the Main Branch, becoming part of TMBR’s standard offerings. This ensures the innovation is fully validated and ready for seamless adoption.

Why This Approach Matters

TMBR’s version control strategy allows us to balance bold innovation with reliable daily operations. Here’s what makes it unique:

No Downtime
By isolating new ideas in branches, we prevent disruptions to production lines, project schedules, or existing digital tools. Current operations stay smooth while we refine the future.
Incremental Improvements
Instead of launching large, overwhelming changes, TMBR introduces updates in small, manageable steps. This ensures every improvement is easy to adopt.
Faster Progress
Since testing happens in parallel to daily workflows, we can experiment more quickly. Successful ideas are fast-tracked into production, accelerating innovation without risking stability.
Data-Driven Refinement
Every branch is tested with real-world data from manufacturers, developers, and builders. This ensures that new features meet actual industry needs.

No Downtime
By isolating new ideas in branches, we prevent disruptions to production lines, project schedules, or existing digital tools. Current operations stay smooth while we refine the future.
Incremental Improvements
Instead of launching large, overwhelming changes, TMBR introduces updates in small, manageable steps. This ensures every improvement is easy to adopt.
Faster Progress
Since testing happens in parallel to daily workflows, we can experiment more quickly. Successful ideas are fast-tracked into production, accelerating innovation without risking stability.
Data-Driven Refinement
Every branch is tested with real-world data from manufacturers, developers, and builders. This ensures that new features meet actual industry needs.

No Downtime
By isolating new ideas in branches, we prevent disruptions to production lines, project schedules, or existing digital tools. Current operations stay smooth while we refine the future.
Incremental Improvements
Instead of launching large, overwhelming changes, TMBR introduces updates in small, manageable steps. This ensures every improvement is easy to adopt.
Faster Progress
Since testing happens in parallel to daily workflows, we can experiment more quickly. Successful ideas are fast-tracked into production, accelerating innovation without risking stability.
Data-Driven Refinement
Every branch is tested with real-world data from manufacturers, developers, and builders. This ensures that new features meet actual industry needs.

No Downtime
By isolating new ideas in branches, we prevent disruptions to production lines, project schedules, or existing digital tools. Current operations stay smooth while we refine the future.
Incremental Improvements
Instead of launching large, overwhelming changes, TMBR introduces updates in small, manageable steps. This ensures every improvement is easy to adopt.
Faster Progress
Since testing happens in parallel to daily workflows, we can experiment more quickly. Successful ideas are fast-tracked into production, accelerating innovation without risking stability.
Data-Driven Refinement
Every branch is tested with real-world data from manufacturers, developers, and builders. This ensures that new features meet actual industry needs.

No Downtime
By isolating new ideas in branches, we prevent disruptions to production lines, project schedules, or existing digital tools. Current operations stay smooth while we refine the future.
Incremental Improvements
Instead of launching large, overwhelming changes, TMBR introduces updates in small, manageable steps. This ensures every improvement is easy to adopt.
Faster Progress
Since testing happens in parallel to daily workflows, we can experiment more quickly. Successful ideas are fast-tracked into production, accelerating innovation without risking stability.
Data-Driven Refinement
Every branch is tested with real-world data from manufacturers, developers, and builders. This ensures that new features meet actual industry needs.

Examples of Innovation with TMBR Rails

Digital Tools

Parametric Design Tools: New sizing algorithms for glulam and CLT are tested on isolated branches to improve accuracy and speed.
Scheduling Routines: Advanced CNC scheduling is piloted in test runs to optimize throughput without affecting existing production workflows.

Physical Products

Frame-First Kits: Each kit variation (e.g., new connectors, beam layouts) is piloted on small projects to validate assembly speed and cost savings.
Install Planning Modules: On-site logistics tools are developed and tested in real jobsite conditions to ensure smoother assembly.

Key Benefits of TMBR's Approach

Safe Testing Ground
Every branch acts as a sandbox where TMBR can take risks without jeopardizing current operations. If an idea doesn’t work, it stays isolated.
Seamless Integration
Once proven, new features merge into TMBR Rails, ensuring they work seamlessly with existing tools and workflows.
Scalable Growth
By continuously adding validated features, TMBR creates a system that grows with manufacturers and developers, unlocking more potential with every update.
Shared Success
TMBR’s partners—whether manufacturers or builders—benefit from innovations that are tested and ready to deliver real value, from faster assembly to lower costs.

Safe Testing Ground
Every branch acts as a sandbox where TMBR can take risks without jeopardizing current operations. If an idea doesn’t work, it stays isolated.
Seamless Integration
Once proven, new features merge into TMBR Rails, ensuring they work seamlessly with existing tools and workflows.
Scalable Growth
By continuously adding validated features, TMBR creates a system that grows with manufacturers and developers, unlocking more potential with every update.
Shared Success
TMBR’s partners—whether manufacturers or builders—benefit from innovations that are tested and ready to deliver real value, from faster assembly to lower costs.

Safe Testing Ground
Every branch acts as a sandbox where TMBR can take risks without jeopardizing current operations. If an idea doesn’t work, it stays isolated.
Seamless Integration
Once proven, new features merge into TMBR Rails, ensuring they work seamlessly with existing tools and workflows.
Scalable Growth
By continuously adding validated features, TMBR creates a system that grows with manufacturers and developers, unlocking more potential with every update.
Shared Success
TMBR’s partners—whether manufacturers or builders—benefit from innovations that are tested and ready to deliver real value, from faster assembly to lower costs.

Safe Testing Ground
Every branch acts as a sandbox where TMBR can take risks without jeopardizing current operations. If an idea doesn’t work, it stays isolated.
Seamless Integration
Once proven, new features merge into TMBR Rails, ensuring they work seamlessly with existing tools and workflows.
Scalable Growth
By continuously adding validated features, TMBR creates a system that grows with manufacturers and developers, unlocking more potential with every update.
Shared Success
TMBR’s partners—whether manufacturers or builders—benefit from innovations that are tested and ready to deliver real value, from faster assembly to lower costs.

Safe Testing Ground
Every branch acts as a sandbox where TMBR can take risks without jeopardizing current operations. If an idea doesn’t work, it stays isolated.
Seamless Integration
Once proven, new features merge into TMBR Rails, ensuring they work seamlessly with existing tools and workflows.
Scalable Growth
By continuously adding validated features, TMBR creates a system that grows with manufacturers and developers, unlocking more potential with every update.
Shared Success
TMBR’s partners—whether manufacturers or builders—benefit from innovations that are tested and ready to deliver real value, from faster assembly to lower costs.

Why TMBR Rails Are Built for the Future

TMBR’s version control framework doesn’t just allow for innovation—it ensures that every improvement is aligned with the needs of the mass timber industry. As new challenges arise, TMBR can quickly spin up branches to tackle them, test solutions, and deliver reliable results.

Looking Ahead

TMBR’s Rails will continue evolving, introducing advanced features like:

Real-Time CNC Integration: To sync production lines with design schedules.
AI-Driven Insights: For better load predictions and VE modeling.
Scalable Typology Kits: Designed for high-demand sectors like multifamily housing and tall buildings.

Conclusion: Innovation Without Disruption

With TMBR Rails, innovation doesn’t have to mean downtime. By using version control to isolate, test, and validate new ideas, TMBR ensures every improvement—digital or physical—integrates smoothly into your workflows. The result? A smarter, faster, and more scalable approach to mass timber construction.