An increase in demand for sawed wood products is the reason why Norra Timber has to expand their facility at Sävar Sawmill. During the expansion, a new log sorting will be implemented which can sort timber with different characteristics and qualities compared to the current log sorting. The placement of the new log sorting and the logistics after the construction has not been decided. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to suggest a design of the new timber yard which includes placement of the new log sorting, log piles and roads to minimize travel distance for tractors between the log sorting and the saw. The thesis project started with examining the opportunities and challenges that exist in timber logistics through a literature study. Afterwards, the current logistics at Sävar Sawmill were studied. Relevant data was collected to create different layout suggestions and to determine which optimization model that should be used. The placement of the log sorting was determined after the data collection, together with a steering group at Sävar Sawmill. Three layout suggestions were created after the placement of the new log sorting and were restricted to the current asphalted surface for timber handling. All layout suggestions should have a storage capacity with the volumes 15 000 m3f, 20 000 m3f and 35 000 m3f. The unit of volume m3f, describes the solid volume of timber without bark. The assignment problem with the Hungarian algorithm was used to optimize the placement of log classes on the timber yard. Thereafter transport distances and driving hours were calculated with three different production levels. The results show that all timber fits in the timber yard for the three layout suggestions when the storage levels are 15 000 m3f and 20 000 m3f, where an optimal solution is found. In the beginning it was not possible to find an optimal solution when the storage levels increased to 35 000 m3f. To find a solution, one constraint was relaxed that allowed the log piles to become overfilled. Norra Timber did not believe a solution at 35 000 m3f existed and therefore accepted the relaxation. Layout suggestion 1 had the least amount of overfilled log piles and layout suggestion 2 had the most. There was a significant difference for the travel distance per year between the layout suggestions when the storage level was low compared to high. Layout suggestion 1 had the longest travel distance per year and layout suggestion 3 had the shortest for all the production levels. The positions and the number of log piles will be the same regardless the production levels, but the travel distance will increase when the production level increases. The number of driving hours is calculated from the travel distances to point out the differences in working hours for the tractor drivers. Layout suggestion 3 will be proposed to use in the future based on the result from the optimization model. The layout suggestion 3 has significant shorter transport distance for the two lower storage levels compared to the other suggestions. The tractor drivers also appreciated that layout suggestion 3 had more available log piles and that the placement of the log piles will ease their daily work and save many working hours. / En ökad efterfrågan på sågade trävaror gör att Norra Timber är i behov av att expandera sin nuvarande anläggning på Sävar såg. Vid expansionen kommer en ny timmersortering installeras som kan sortera timret på flera egenskaper och kvaliteter jämfört med den befintliga. Varken placeringen av den nya timmersorteringen eller hur logistiken ska fungera efter expansionen är bestämt. Syftet med examensarbetet är att ta fram ett förslag på hur Norra Timber ska designa området med placering av den nya timmersorteringen, vältplatser och vägar för att minimera transportavstånd för traktorerna mellan timmersorteringen och sågen.  Examensarbetet inleddes med att undersöka vilka möjligheter och utmaningar som finns inom timmerlogistik genom en litteraturstudie. Logistiken på Sävar såg studerades sedan och varje aktivitet förklarades i en nulägesbeskrivning. Relevant fakta samlades in för att kunna skapa olika designförslag och avgöra vilken optimeringsmodell som skulle användas. Efter datainsamling bestämdes placeringen av den nya timmersorteringen tillsammans med en projektgrupp på Sävar såg. Utifrån den nya timmersorteringens placering skapades tre olika designförslag som var begränsade till den asfalterade ytan vid den nuvarande timmerhanteringen. Alla designförslag skulle klara av en lagernivå på 15 000 m3f, 20 000 m3f och 35 000 m3f. Volymenheten m3f står för den fasta volymen timmer utan bark. För att optimera var timmerklasserna skulle placeras i vältor på timmerplanen användes tillordningsproblemet med Hungarian algoritm där indatat anpassades efter lager- och produktionsnivå. Transportavstånd och körtimmar räknas sedan ut för alla designförslag med tre olika produktionsnivåer.   Resultatet visar att när lagernivåerna är 15 000 m3f och 20 000 m3f får allt timmer plats på timmerplanen i alla designförslag och modellen hittar en optimal lösning. När lagernivån ökade till 35 000 m3f kunde inte en optimal lösning hittas till en början. För att hitta en lösning relaxerades ett bivillkor vilket gjorde att överfulla vältor tilläts. Norra Timber trodde inte en lösning vid 35 000 m3f existerade och accepterade därför relaxationen. Minst antal överfulla vältor hade designförslag 1 och designförslag 2 hade högst antal. Designförslagens transportavstånd per år skiljer sig mycket mellan den lägsta lagernivån jämfört med den högsta. Designförslag 1 har längst avstånd och designförslag 3 har kortast avstånd för alla lagernivåer. Oavsett vilken produktionsnivå sågen har kommer vältplaceringarna att vara samma för ett designförslag där endast den totala körsträckan ökar. Antal körtimmar beräknas utifrån transportavstånd och presenteras för att visa på skillnaderna mellan traktorförarnas arbetstid. Utifrån optimeringsmodellens resultat rekommenderas Norra Timber att designa den nya timmerplanen på Sävar såg efter designförslag 3. Förslaget har signifikant kortare transportavstånd vid de två lägre lagernivåerna jämfört med de andra två designförslagen. Traktorförarna uppskattade också att förslaget hade fler vältplatser och vältornas placering som kommer underlätta deras vardagliga arbete och spara in många arbetstimmar.

Sammanfattning Sedan 1980 har produktionen av sågade trävaror ökat i Sverige och samtidigt har produktionen koncentrerats till färre sågverk. Detta examensarbete behandlar Norra Skogs anläggning i Sävar som planerar att utöka sin produktion inom en snar framtid med en vision om att hantera en inkommande timmervolym på 1 000 000 m3f per år. För att göra detta möjligt kommer Sävar såg att investera i en ny mätstation. Den nya mätstationen kommer att leda till ett högre timmerflöde till sorteringen och den nya mätstationen kräver även ny mark för sågverket vilket leder till längre transportvägar på timmerplanen. Syftet med avhandlingen är att avgöra om de nuvarande timmerhanteringsfordonen kommer att klara av att hantera den nya timmervolymen på den nya anläggningen. Detta kommer att uppnås genom att simulera logistiken för den nuvarande och framtida anläggningen genom att använda Simulink och nyttja optimering av fordonenstransportrutter med hjälp av A-star algoritmen. Baserat på de krav som gemensamt fastställts med företaget och de antaganden som gjorts i modellen kommer arbetet fram till följande slutsatser: 1. De nuvarande timmerhanteringsfordonen räcker till vid två skift med en inkommande timmervolym på 600 000 m3f per år.2. Nuvarande timmerhanteringsfordon räcker till under majoriteten av dygnet under tre skift med en inkommande timmervolym på 1 000 000 m3f per år. På grund av några få långa väntetider i lastbilskön kan det dock vara lämpligt att investera i ytterligare ett timmehanteringsfordon under vissa delar av dygnet. Nyckelord: sågverk, timmer, timmerplan, timmerhanterare, simulering, optimering, A-star algoritmen / Abstract Simulation & optimization of timber handler operationsCapacity analysis of timber handlers at Sävar sawmill   Since 1980 the sawn timber production in Sweden has increased and at the same time been concentrated to fewer sawmills. This thesis considers Norra Skog’s facility in Sävar which is planning to expand its production in the near future with a vision to meet an incoming timber volume of 1 000 000 m3f per year. To make that possible Sävar sawmill will invest in a new measuring station. The new measuring station will lead to a faster timber flow to the sorting boxes and the new measuring station also requires a bigger sawmill area which leads to longer transport paths at the timberyard. The aim of the thesis is to determine if the current timber handler vehicles will be able to handle the new timber volumes for the new facility. This will be achieved by simulating the logistics for the current and future facility using Simulink and includes the optimization of the vehicle paths using the A-star algorithm. Based on the requirements set jointly with the company, and the assumptions made in the model, the conclusions from the thesis are the following: 1. The current timber handler vehicles are enough during 2-shift operation with a timber volume of 600 000 m3f per year.2. The current timber handler vehicles are enough for the most part during 3-shiftoperation with an incoming timber volume of 1,000 000 m3f per year. Due to a few long waiting times in the truck queue, it may however be appropriate to invest in an additional timber handler at some parts of the day.   Keywords: sawmill, timber, timber yard, timber handler, simulation, optimization, A-star algorithm

In a changing and globalized world, companies are faced with an ever-increased competition. This rapid change has made a big impact, where automation, complex production and customization are common requirements in order to stay competitive. Due to more complex production, companies need to prioritize safety aspects simultaneously as they develop internal processes. The addressed problem in this thesis have been centralized to the department Massamagasinet at Södra Cell in Mönsterås, mainly due to their experienced safety problems regarding forklifts and heavy vehicles. Due to the chosen context, a case study has been conducted in order to create an in-depth understanding of Södra’s witnessed safety issues. The executed thesis has been characterized by three theoretical perspectives: Multi Causational Theory, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of New Technology as well as Virtual Reality. Thanks to the theories, an identification of safety shortcomings as well as user requirements was made possible. The context and theoretical perspectives have consistently been linked to chosen technologies, Virtual Reality simulators and RFID. Furthermore, interviews with users as well as software-developers have provided a broader perspective, regarding the situation and techniques mentioned above. Results generated, includes both technical possibilities and limitations based on the thesis initial perspective. Moreover, it has been shown that a potential reduction of identified shortcomings is possible, by using a Virtual Reality simulator and RFID system. However, it’s worth mentioning that such implementations and the advantages they potentially might generate, are feasible first when prevailing requirements regarding the techniques are carefully considered. Investments of similar character require both human and financial resources, where maximum value can be achieved first if the employees stands positively against such implementation. Thanks to the theory Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of New Technology, this thesis has been enriched with an additional perspective which aimed to investigate how Södra in general, and Massamagasinet in particular, stands towards new techniques.

Alors que le département des Vosges connaît une importante industrialisation au XIXe siècle, dominée par l'industrie textile (tissages, filatures et blanchiments), comment ses activités traditionnelles du bois ont-elles participé à cet essor économique ? L'exploitation de ses forêts (plus de 200 000 hectares, près de 38 % de la superficie départementale) favorise, dès le début du XIXe siècle, le développement de la fabrication de produits sciés (planches et charpentes), transportés par flottage (sur la Moselle et surtout la Meurthe) pour être vendus hors du département, mais aussi de produits de boissellerie. Le travail du bois connaît ensuite d'importantes mutations à partir des années 1850-1860 et ne reste pas en marge du développement industriel. L'exploitation forestière s'intensifie, grâce à un aménagement plus rationnel des espaces forestiers (rythme annuel des coupes, multiplication des voies de transport), et fournit près de 800 000 m3 de bois par an. Les fabrications, organisées par une majorité de petites et moyennes entreprises familiales, forment progressivement une filière industrielle, par le développement d'activités de première transformation (essor des entreprises de sciage privées), de seconde transformation (industries de la menuiserie, du meuble, de la boissellerie) et d'un secteur de la papeterie utilisant les pâtes de bois. Constituée de 800 entreprises, mobilisant près de 10 000 Vosgiens (patrons et salariés), la filière bois marque fortement de son empreinte le département au début du XXe siècle, et constitue un bel exemple du rôle moteur de la petite industrie dans l' industrialisation progressive et sans révolution de certains territoires. / In the 19th century as the Vosges département was going through large scale industrialisation dominated by the textile industry, how did its traditional activities linked to logging take part in that economic boom? From the early nineteenth century the exploitation of its forests (occupying more than 200,000 hectares - nearly 38% of the surface of the département) was beneficial to the development of the production of sawn products (boards and roof timbers) floated down the waterways (the Moselle and mainly the Meurthe river) to be sold outside the Vosges. It also boosted the production of various wooden objects and implements. Then the logging industry experienced many changes from the 1850s and 1860s onwards, thus keeping pace with the increasing development of industry. Logging grew thanks to a more rational management of forested areas (annual rhythm of the cuttings, multiplication of the roads devoted to transport) and produced about 800,000 cubic metres of timber annually. The manufacturing organised in small and medium sized family-owned businesses gradually came to form the backbone of an industrial sector through the development of sawmilling activities (booming of family-owned sawmills), manufacturing activities (carpentry, cabinet-making and production of various wooden objects), and also a paper making sector using pulpwood. Comprised of almost 800 businesses employing a nearly 10,000 strong local workforce (managers and employees) the timber industry left a definite print on the Vosges at the turn of the 20th century and gives a fine example of the driving force played by small businesses in the progessive and smooth industrialisation of certain territories.

Procurement of sawlogs to purchasing sawmills represents a basic strategic business process. The properties of inbound sawlogs are decisive for the output of sawn products and the cost of raw material contributes substantially to the cost of the final product. Increasing customer orientation and new demands from powerful customers in the building and retail sectors entail new or accentuated demands on management of procurement. Managing raw material procurement and communicating needs to suppliers and logging machine operators are vital issues for sawmills in order to be competitive. The purpose of the thesis is to explore how purchasing sawmills manage procurement of sawlogs. The results are based on 46 in-depth interviews with people involved in the procurement process at seven softwood sawmills in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. The thesis identifies various types of supply uncertainties as well as process improvement and buffer activities that reduce uncertainties. However, the major obstacle in the procurement process is the power/dependence balance in the relationships with suppliers. Beyond doubt, it restricts the manageability of procurement and particularly bucking. The results suggest that there are a number of ways to improve management of procurement, which are currently not fully employed. The thesis provides four key strategic dimensions of the procurement process and suggests a general conceptual model of wood procurement to purchasing sawmills. Further research within the subject can usefully explore the link between procurement management and procurement strategy as well as the relation to other functions' strategies and the corporate strategy. The importance of the identified strategic dimensions of the procurement process needs to be quantified in order to provide normative suggestions.

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a model for assessing cost effectiveness of applying lean tools. The model consists of eight phases: it starts by understanding customers' requirements using Voice of Customer (VOC) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tools. In phase 2, the current state of plant is assessed using lean profile charts based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC) measures. In phase 3 and phase 4, identification of critical problem(s) and generating of improvement suggestion(s) are performed. Phase 5 provide evaluation of the cost effectiveness of implementing the suggested lean methods based on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and phase 6 prefers the right alternative based on multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). In phase 7 the selected alternative is supposed to be implemented and finally the user should monitor and control the process to make sure that the improvement is going as planned. The model was verified successfully using a case study methodology at one Swedish sawmill called Södra Timber in Ramkvilla, one part of Södra group. Results obtained from the study showed that the production and human resources perspectives are the most critical problem areas that need to be improved. They got the lowest scores in the lean profile, 63% and 68%, respectively. Using value stream mapping (VSM) it was found that the non value added (NVA) ratios for the core and side products are 87.4% and 90.4%, respectively. Using the model, three improvement alternatives were suggested and evaluated using LCCA and MCDM. Consequently, implementing 5S got the highest score, second came redesigning the facility layout. However, it was estimated that 4.7 % of NVA for the side product would be reduced by redesigning the facility layout. The recommendations were suggested for the company to improve their performance. The novelty of the thesis is based on the fact that it addresses two main issues related to lean manufacturing: firstly, suggesting lean techniques based on assessment of lean profile that is based on BSC and QFD, and secondly assessing the cost effectiveness of the suggested lean methods based on LCCA and MCDM. This thesis provides a generalized model that enables the decision-maker to know and measure, holistically, the company performance with respect to customer requirements. This will enable the company to analyze the critical problems, suggest solutions, evaluate them and make a cost effective decision. Thus, the company can improve its competitiveness.

Detta examensarbete handlar om hur ett möbelproducerande företags råmaterialförsörjning går till. Företaget som har varit värd för arbetet är ett möbeltillverkande företag som heter Stolab och ligger i Smålandstenar. Studiebesök och intervjuer har hos Stolab och deras leverantörer legat till grund för det arbete som vi har utfört. Ämnen som är behandlade är kvalitetsaspekter på råmaterialet samt hur relationerna mellan kund – leverantör fungerar. Arbetet fokuserar främst på den sista punkten, hur relationerna ser ut mellan kund leverantör, vilka möjligheter man har att förbättra kommunikationen mellan företagen och hur inköp och lagerhållning kan fungera. För att kunna förbättra kvaliteten på det råmaterial som kommer till företaget så är en viktig del i det att öka förståelsen för de krav som ställs. Kraven måste också kommuniceras på ett effektivt sätt. Vi har utarbetat en modell för hur detta samarbete kan gå till samt gett en del andra förslag till åtgärder för att kunna förbättra kvalitet på materialet och förbättra relationerna. / This final thesis deals with the hardwood raw material procurement in a furniture producing company. The company that has been our host is a furniture producing company called Stolab situated in Smålandstenar. The study visits and interviews we have completed has been the base of this work and the theory studies that we have made. Subjects that have been treated in this report are quality aspects on the raw material and also the relationships between customer and the supplier. The discussion is focused on the latest mentioned part, which possibilities there are to improve the communication between the companies and how purchase and store-keeping can work. To be able to improve the quality of the raw material that is being delivered to the company an important part is to gain the understanding of the demand that is set. The demands also need to be communicated in an efficient way. We have worked out a model which gives suggestions to motions to be made to improve the quality of the raw material and the relationships between customers and suppliers.

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to develop a model for assessing cost effectiveness of applying lean tools. The model consists of eight phases: it starts by understanding customers' requirements using Voice of Customer (VOC) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) tools. In phase 2, the current state of plant is assessed using lean profile charts based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC) measures. In phase 3 and phase 4, identification of critical problem(s) and generating of improvement suggestion(s) are performed. Phase 5 provide evaluation of the cost effectiveness of implementing the suggested lean methods based on life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and phase 6 prefers the right alternative based on multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). In phase 7 the selected alternative is supposed to be implemented and finally the user should monitor and control the process to make sure that the improvement is going as planned. The model was verified successfully using a case study methodology at one Swedish sawmill called Södra Timber in Ramkvilla, one part of Södra group. Results obtained from the study showed that the production and human resources perspectives are the most critical problem areas that need to be improved. They got the lowest scores in the lean profile, 63% and 68%, respectively. Using value stream mapping (VSM) it was found that the non value added (NVA) ratios for the core and side products are 87.4% and 90.4%, respectively. Using the model, three improvement alternatives were suggested and evaluated using LCCA and MCDM. Consequently, implementing 5S got the highest score, second came redesigning the facility layout. However, it was estimated that 4.7 % of NVA for the side product would be reduced by redesigning the facility layout. The recommendations were suggested for the company to improve their performance. The novelty of the thesis is based on the fact that it addresses two main issues related to lean manufacturing: firstly, suggesting lean techniques based on assessment of lean profile that is based on BSC and QFD, and secondly assessing the cost effectiveness of the suggested lean methods based on LCCA and MCDM. This thesis provides a generalized model that enables the decision-maker to know and measure, holistically, the company performance with respect to customer requirements. This will enable the company to analyze the critical problems, suggest solutions, evaluate them and make a cost effective decision. Thus, the company can improve its competitiveness.</p>

<p>Detta examensarbete handlar om hur ett möbelproducerande företags råmaterialförsörjning går till. Företaget som har varit värd för arbetet är ett möbeltillverkande företag som heter Stolab och ligger i Smålandstenar. Studiebesök och intervjuer har hos Stolab och deras leverantörer legat till grund för det arbete som vi har utfört. Ämnen som är behandlade är kvalitetsaspekter på råmaterialet samt hur relationerna mellan kund – leverantör fungerar. Arbetet fokuserar främst på den sista punkten, hur relationerna ser ut mellan kund leverantör, vilka möjligheter man har att förbättra kommunikationen mellan företagen och hur inköp och lagerhållning kan fungera. För att kunna förbättra kvaliteten på det råmaterial som kommer till företaget så är en viktig del i det att öka förståelsen för de krav som ställs. Kraven måste också kommuniceras på ett effektivt sätt. Vi har utarbetat en modell för hur detta samarbete kan gå till samt gett en del andra förslag till åtgärder för att kunna förbättra kvalitet på materialet och förbättra relationerna.</p> / <p>This final thesis deals with the hardwood raw material procurement in a furniture producing company. The company that has been our host is a furniture producing company called Stolab situated in Smålandstenar. The study visits and interviews we have completed has been the base of this work and the theory studies that we have made. Subjects that have been treated in this report are quality aspects on the raw material and also the relationships between customer and the supplier. The discussion is focused on the latest mentioned part, which possibilities there are to improve the communication between the companies and how purchase and store-keeping can work. To be able to improve the quality of the raw material that is being delivered to the company an important part is to gain the understanding of the demand that is set. The demands also need to be communicated in an efficient way. We have worked out a model which gives suggestions to motions to be made to improve the quality of the raw material and the relationships between customers and suppliers.</p>

The progression of wood processing in Swedish saw mills is growing in a rapid pace which pushes internal resources to the limit. This calls for new and innovative ideas to further the capacity of the production to satisfy both requirements as well as demands. Logistics is a key factor in these processes which can both hide problems as well as solutions that could benefit production.   The objective of the study is to research the current timber yard model as it doesn’t suffice the demand, and instead present alternative ideas that will. The methods to do so are a collection of interviews, literary researches and a case study. Alternative models are generally presented in regards to volume capacity but also machine capacity, time and economic factors.   The results show the inefficiency of the current model with insufficient volume capacity of logs, and where unnecessary hauling between two yards have costly outcomes. Suggested model increases the total yard volume from 15 000 m³ to about 25 176 m³, but where hauling and transporting costs still are imminent due to the geographical position of the industry. The model is designed to decrease hauling distances along with lower fuel usage and ultimately effects on the environment.   Increasing the volume of the timber yard is carried out by taking advantage of unutilized areas as well as by a compromise of areas that are today used for other processes.   Lastly, the recommendations presented to the company are to analyze the results and research questions of the study and from there see to what actions are to be made. Developing the concepts of presented model along with the other suggestions and conclusions that follow. / Framfarten av vidareförädling av trä i svenska sågverk är mycket stor vilket sätter stor press på interna resurser. Detta efterfrågar nya och innovativa idéer for att utveckla produktionens kapacitet för att ha möjligheterna att både tillfredsställa krav och efterfråga. Logistik är en nyckelfaktor i dessa processer, vilket både kan gömma problem men även lösningar för produktionens fördel.   Målet för studien är att utforska den nuvarande timmerplanen då den inte räcker till för den efterfrågan som eftersträvas och istället presentera alternativa idéer som gör det. Metoderna som används för det är en samling av intervjuer, litterära undersökningar och fallstudier. Alternativa modeller presenteras framför allt sätt till volymkapacitet men även maskinkapacitet, tid och ekonomiska faktorer.   Resultaten visar en ineffektivitet i den nuvarande modellen vilket har en otillräcklig volymkapacitet för stock, där onödigt fraktande bidrar med dyra resultat. Modellen som föreslås ökar den nuvarande totala kapaciteten från cirka 15 000 m³ till 25 176 m³, men där fraktning och transporter fortfarande är ofrånkomligt på grund av den geografiska positionen industrin har. Modellen är utformad för att minska transportavstånd samt bränsleförbrukning och därmed även negativa effekter på miljön.   Ökningen av volym på timmer planen görs genom att använda oanvända områden samt genom kompromisser med områden som idag har ett annat användningsområde för andra delprocesser. De presenterade modeller ser till de förhållande av studien i relation till de satta ambitioner och begränsningar.   Slutligen, de rekommendationer som framförts till företaget är att analysera de tankar och idéer från studien och därifrån se vilka handlingar som ska tas. Vidareutveckla de koncept av presenterade modeller i samband med de förslag och slutsatser som följer.