Implementing a new load unit in a present technological context
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 370 808 |
| Project duration | September 2013 - May 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Transport Efficiency |
| End-of-project report | 2013-02629 Imp Lastbärare sv.pdf(pdf, 655 kB) (In Swedish) |
Purpose and goal
The aim has been to continue development of a load carrier that can contribute to more efficient supply chains. Sub-targets have been: (1) Enhance the load carrier prototype, (2) Demonstrate the technical design of the new load carrier concept, (3) Identify potential for introduction of a new load carrier in a supply chain, (4) Show how the developed technology can support process development via efficiency improvement through new services based on the new load carrier, improved traceability and exchange of information, and quality improvement in the forest raw material.
Results and expected effects
An important result is the interaction that has developed between the industrial partners. This is especially important in a pre-study that aims for a future collaboration in a main study. Another result is the technological development that has resulted from workshops and tests. A number of opportunities and challenges have been identified, which, in turn, have led to the generation of research questions for a main study. All in all, the pre-study has meant that some SMEs have started to collaborate which can lead to the development of various business concepts.
Approach and implementation
To fulfill the purpose of the study the work was divided into two work packages. The first aimed to describe and develop the load carrier further. Various technological development proposals have been discussed and appraised during a number of workshops. A trial has been conducted in which the load carrier has been used in a real situation in order to test the load carrier and identify possible improvements. The second work package creates an understanding of the present situation and how the load carrier would fit into the existing forestry supply chain.