Improved process flows through digital capture of wood properties

Purpose and goal

The study aimed at evaluating if process efficiency and product quality can improve by integrating forest and industry in a digital model where calculated wood properties are used to match raw material and final product. Project goals included mapping of relevant wood properties, studying the gains and potential in digital descriptions of raw material properties and formulating an application for financing of going further with the idea. All goals should be considered filled and the results indicate potential, which is captured in a new application from a broadened consortium.

Expected results and effects

Tests in a production environment were expected to indicate if the idea has potential to be implemented in operations. The usefulness for the forest sector builds on the concept that production planning and control based on wood properties will increase the share of wanted properties in the raw material for every product. The results indicate high correlation between calculated and measured wood properties, strengthening the hypothesis that the model will be useful in operations. A broad consortium are behind an application to continue the work.

Planned approach and implementation

The study was performed largely according to the plan and in tight collaboration and dialogue with the companies in the consortium. Data collection for one of the companies was delayed, which is often a risk in shorter projects. This could however be handled, and all data was analyzed. The project plan included a plan for scaling up the concept if it proved promising. This was a good way of securing that good ideas are integrated in new projects. Discussions in the work shop format went well.