Interpine recently hosted a workshop on harvester data management at Waiairki Institute of Technology (WIT). 36 attended from forest companies, consultants, contractor entities, machine manufacturers (SATCO, Woodsman, SouthStar and LogMax) and academia from University of Canterbury, WIT,SCION Research, Future Forest Research and FP Innovations from Canada.
The objective of the workshop was to engage and collaborate and share experiences. With the workshop size being larger than expected, a focus was placed on providing a range of presenters to discuss harvester information from different perspectives;
- from the original source of the data standards (StanForD)
- to operators
- wood flow managers
- log buyers.
- current research being conducted at University of Canterbury in this area.
Figure 1 – Jeremy Gibson (ForestPHD) speaking on use of StanForD data for wood flow management and why software such as STICKS is designed to provide cloud based access to this data.
Figure 2 – John Arlinger from Skogforsk (Forest Research in Sweden) spoke about the neutral and cooperative body for data standards which form StanForD including an update on StanForD 2010 adoption by manufacturers.
Main discussions and presentors for the day were:
- David Herries gave on overview on the steps needed to bring about successful application of harvester data capture and promoted formation of a group to advance this in NZ. This also including a discussion on managing computers in the forest and options for data transfer and communication.
- John Arlinger from Skogforsk (Forest Research in Sweden) spoke about StanForD, covering the background to the development of Classic StanForD and the recent renewal and implementation of the new StanForD 2010 data standards. This included discussion on bark equation customisation, and calibration / control processes typical in Europe. An overview of independent APT file editors was also discussed as a replacement for the traditional SilviA 2007 software.
- Jeremy Gibson of ForestPHD explained the detail around StanForD data, and then went onto explain the development of STICKS cloud solution through his journey as a resource forester and woodflow planner in Australia over the last 12 years. This lead to development of daily contractor downloads, regular control measurement and calibration and implementation of value recovery indicators for harvester grade outturn and woodflow processes. Contractors are now starting to use the data in their daily businesses and log customers are gaining insights into production from the forest owner prior to logs being delivered.
- Rien Visser from NZ School of Forestry spoke on recent research projects on harvester measurement precision, while his PhD student Alejandro Oliverafarias showed how harvester data can be combined with GPS data to provide yield maps for optimal extraction and to inform forest research in silviculture and R&D.
- Brent Charlett spoke about field checking harvester and operator performance to ensure least waste and best value recovery. His service offers improved operator understanding and performance and formalised review of harvester audits and calibration processes.
- Andrew Clarke of CHH wood products spoke on how better data from the field can support a log customer to perform better in their processes, through woodflow forecasting, stock control and matching forest stocks to mill requirements. Looking ahead the addition of sonic testing (Hitman) to processors will be valuable in providing best match of wood density to production.
A range of presentation are being made available that could not make the day, and if you like to know more about the workshop or review the presentation given please contact our team.
A follow-up forum is envisaged to formulate an industry adoption group, to provide guidance on best practice and education and provide liaison with harvest manufacturers on the forest managers needs and connect with StanForD Committee.
Feedback:
“this workshop was outstanding and a turning point for Forest Value Recovery in New Zealand. 36 showed up to discuss progress and protocols for data transfer to and from harvesting machines. Thank you Interpine. Five Stars”
“thanks for the workshop last week – it was terrific – really thought provoking and interesting – stimulating even!!”