Web-based optimization of timber logistics

Timber is a valuable raw material which is very much in demand for the substantial as well as for the energetic use. The use of timber or wood raw material in Germany has increased during the last years. Due to a changing market with more competitors in the same sector and higher logistics costs for raw material supply the involved parties in the timber logistics supply chain are facing new challenges to stay competitive on the market. To meet the challenges of the new market the information and material flow processes in the timber logistics supply chain need to be improved. To optimize the timber logistics supply chain from forest to production site a platform for order planning and information "Holz-Opera" has been developed by the University of Applied Sciences Wildau. The platform offers a low-budget solution for a prompt exchange of information between all parties from the timber logistics supply chain achieving efficient information and material flow processes. For timber carriers the use of the platform enables an optimization of transport tours and a reduction of empty runs. The following article gives an overview about the role of logistics processes in the raw material supply and the use of information technology in timber logistics and focuses on the development and the functionality of the platform "Holz-Opera".