Logistics software implementation in Austrian forest and timber industries

Transcription

1 Logistics software implementation in Austrian forest and timber industries Peter Daxner University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna Institute of Forest and Mountain Risk Engineering Peter-Jordan-Str. 70/2, 1190 Vienna, Austria tel [email protected] 1. Introduction In connection with increasing mechanization of timber harvesting systems technical optimisation of tree processing and transportation was the main task over the past years. Another main part of customer-oriented timber production, information interchange, is still in its infancy. According to experiences in other economic sectors it is estimated that further benefit can be generated by interface design. For that reason it is necessary to reduce process variability within and especially between different companies and to synchronize interentrepreneurial processes. At the moment many companies operate like a black box for their business partners information (e.g. in the form of an order) is brought in and after some time output (e.g. information, material) is generated, but internal processes and mechanisms are obscure. To obtain goals like better fulfilment of customer needs and improved quality management, higher accuracy of planning, reduction of cost as an effect of efficient information supply it is necessary to provide common structures and to integrate inter-entrepreneurial business processes. One possible way is the linkage of information systems and the automation of information flow. The project Produktionskette Holz was started to promote information interchange in mechanized timber harvesting systems by implementing GEOMAIL software in Austrian forest and timber industries. 2. Methodology 2.1 Logistics-software GEOMAIL GEOMAIL is a software tool to enhance data flow in timber production. It is based on a geographic information system (GIS) and therefore it allows to display information relevant for forest logistics on a basic map. The main technical features of GEOMAIL are: Data processing via Universal data standard XML No database required, but possibility of database integration Integration of Global Positioning System (GPS) Connection to the Internet via mobile phone (GSM). The main advantages of GEOMAIL software are:

2 up-to-date information and saving of time: for process partners the same level of information is available at any time enhanced overview of the whole timber production chain from stand selection to trucking improved orientation and routing for staff of forest companies, contractors as well as truck drivers: most information is map-based; auxiliary information can be directly digitised in GEOMAIL reduction of timber losses through better overview of log piles interoperability: integration of GEOMAIL into existing business software improved controlling and quality management 2.2 Process management The general approach for logistics software implementation in Austrian timber production is based on the basic steps of process management (Figure 1). Figure 1: Process management approach. The first step of process management is survey and data collection. Activities within the business process of timber production are defined and documented. Available information is organized in the step of structuring. In the analysis step the different processes are determined, common attributes are filtered and the processes are mapped as models. On the basis of this data reference models are developed considering the business framework and environmental impacts. These reference models are evaluated and adapted in a modification step. The result are reference models for different kinds of processes which are implemented at the business partners. At this time the step of monitoring starts a continuous improvement of the business processes and useful information for subsequent process changes is gained. 3 Preliminary results 3.1 Data collection and process representation The survey of the present processes was carried out at 20 different companies. 11 of these companies are specialised in the production of sawlogs and pulpwood (mainly forest companies), 7 companies deal with sawmilling and pulp and paper and 2 companies work as forest contractors (harvesting and transportation). In the survey the following information was collected (Table 1):

3 Process representation was done in terms of LOV-Charts ( line-of-visibility ) according to Micrografx igrafx Process methodology. 3.2 Rating of process steps Within process models single steps were differentiated according to their influence on business performance. Grouping was done on the basis of the following criteria: influence on current and expected revenues relevance on fulfilment of customer needs and expectations contribution to other process steps substitutability by technical solutions necessary changes following process modifications transferability to other process partners 3.3 Development of reference models The next step was to develop reference models. The realisation of optimisation potentials and minimisation of productivity gaps was based on process mapping, process analysis and rating of process steps as well as productivity ratings. Reference models were evaluated, tested and further modified with regard to functionality. At this phase the documentation and representation of business processes is another advantage of reference models. Reference models can be used for enhanced quality management.

4 Figure 2: Reference model for information interchange with GEOMAIL software. 3.4 Implementation and monitoring Process models were implemented in test runs. In preliminary workshops all partners were informed about the aims of the test, the implementation of reference models and the integration of existing business processes. All test runs were monitored and experiences were used to adapt the reference models. Hence it was tried to realize a systematic, continuous process refinement. 4 Conclusions The present investigation started with the aim to introduce GEOMAIL logistics software in Austrian forest and timber industries. The result of the implementation phase is the suitability of the software tool to fulfil the objectives of enhanced data flow. In detail the following results and open questions are to point out: GEOMAIL is designed as an information system. In GEOMAIL software there are presently no optimisation or controlling mechanisms included and therefore no controlling functions for optimising the timber production chain can be expected. Although handling of GEOMAIL software is quite user-friendly right now there should be further development to raise usability and user acceptance. Major problems were caused by the process implementation mainly in forest companies. For some participants it was quite difficult to adjust to new process structures and terminations. In some companies this problem was reinforced due to the first introduction of computers at lower management level. Some participants could hardly identify themselves with the continuous process of change. They expected to receive a practically finished solution for their business needs and problems and could not see themselves as a part of the implementation process. 5 Acknowledgements

5 Sincere thank to the Provincial Government of Lower Austria and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management for funding this research work.