Digital traceability of forest products (DigForeTrace)

Important results from the project

The project has demonstrated technology for digital traceability of timber and laid an important foundation for a future system. The work has increased the industry´s understanding of data-driven opportunities, created great interest among different actors, and driven the development towards standardized transport data and increased automation. The testing of trucks with advanced sensors has particularly engaged the industry and clarified needs that have accelerated continued development work.

Expected long term effects

The project lays the foundation for a digital and automated system for traceability of timber from forest to industry, which increases efficiency, work environment and data security. Digital marking and automatic identification reduce manual handling, while providing drivers with better decision-making support. Automated information flow connects harvest, transport and industry, which improves traceability, regulatory compliance, and creates a platform for further innovation and integration.

Approach and implementation

A full-scale test of digital traceability of timber from forest to industry, were harvesters, forwarders and timber trucks were equipped with sensors and upgraded data systems, and a test app was developed for visualizing rolls and loading. Data from forestry machinery, transportation and industry were linked via unique log identities and geofence, demonstrating that individual log tracking is technically possible and laying the foundation for future automation and standardized data collection.