Optimizing logistics of saw logs for a medium sized sawmill

Juha Pellervo Rikala, Kyle Johann Eyvindson, Aaron Dugan Petty, Eero Veli-Pekka Kivinen, Sten Bo Dahlin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

The supply chain of saw logs is crucial for the added value in a sawmill. During winter conditions (temperature
below 0°C), the logistics are less crucial as low temperatures retain the quality of the logs. However, during
other times of the year, the quality of logs deteriorates faster. For example, storage decreases moisture content,
which may inflict cracks, insects or fungi that affect the quality of the finished product. Water sprinkling
of log piles is one way to mitigate the negative effects of storage. However, environmental concerns have
limited the use of sprinkling. There are many sawmills in Finland that do not have the permits to sprinkle
their storage. This makes it very essential to adjust the supply chain to maximize profit; considering logistics,
production costs and the costs of losing value of finished goods.
We have studied the logistics of a simulated sawmill in order to model the costs of different parts of the
supply chain. Furthermore, we have optimized the logistics, including transport and storage to minimize the
total cost, including costs for downgraded logs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationForest engineering: "Making a positive contribution" : Abstracts and Proceedings of the 48th Symposiom on Forest Mechanization, Linz, Austria 2015
EditorsChristian Kanzian, Gernot Erber, Martin Kühmaier
Number of pages4
Place of PublicationVienna
PublisherInstitute of Forest Engineering, Department of Forest Soil and Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Publication date2015
Pages227-230
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-900932-29-9
Publication statusPublished - 2015
MoE publication typeA4 Article in conference proceedings
EventSymposiom on Forest Mechanization - Linz, Austria
Duration: 4 Oct 20158 Oct 2015
Conference number: 48

Fields of Science

  • 415 Other agricultural sciences
  • 4112 Forestry

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