D3.2 Existing models and model gap analyses for wood properties

For sawmills that produce a wide range of products by orders from customers, which is typical for many European sawmills, getting the right product to the right customer in a timely manner is critical. However, a growing share of the sawmills are getting more and more specialized, producing specific products which are generally more demanding in terms of optimal log dimensions, while also additional properties, like knot properties, strength properties, durability, surface properties, aesthetic properties etc. may be of larger or smaller importance depending on the target products. Determining which logs to order and process, with which sawing patterns to achieve an optimal result is a demanding problem to solve. Add to this, the need to consider different log purchase options, market opportunities and production constraints, and it becomes obvious that making truly optimum operating decisions with conventional planning methods is impossible. Consequently there is a need for decisions support systems and technology that facilitates accessibility to decisive information. Furthermore, the best (optimal) solution must not be an enemy to the second best.