Sustainable, robust and resource-efficient sawmill industry with dynamic maintenance

One of Södra Skogsägarna’s sawmills is located in Långasjö. Photo: Jan Augustsson.

READY fills an important gap both industrially and research-wise, as maintenance and operational reliability in the sawmill industry has so far not been the focus of innovation efforts and is a relatively unexplored area. In order to increase competitiveness and transform sawmills from Industry 2.0/3.0 to Industry 5.0, new thinking is required. Dynamic maintenance includes new technology and new ways of working, internal and external collaboration as well as cultural and organizational changes. The focus on reliability and dynamism in maintenance reduces disturbances, creates more stable processes and optimizes the use of materials and extends the life of mechanical equipment, which contributes to resource efficiency, reduced material waste and energy savings and which further leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Dynamic maintenance and stronger collaboration in the value network create a more resilient sawmill maintenance system. A spread of these maintenance concepts and sustainable working methods is expected to benefit more companies and industries.

Background

Swedish sawmills are an important player in the wood-processing value chain and approximately 19 million cubic meters of softwood products are sawn annually in Sweden, which is the world's 3rd largest exporter of sawn wood products. About 70 percent of all sawn Swedish softwood raw material is exported. The demand for wood raw material is high, while the raw material is at the lowest inventory levels in 20 years. Even laws and regulations, such as the EU regulation on the restoration of nature, affect the sawmill industry. The advantages of wood are many, above all it is a renewable resource that can reduce the climate impact compared to traditional construction. There is therefore great incentive to increase profitability and focus on increased resource and process efficiency.                               

Sawmill technology and organization

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is an umbrella term for digital technologies that integrate the entire value network from idea to recycling. The intensification of technology in Swedish industry has increased with I4.0, and in order to achieve a successful transformation, the understanding of the roles of the person and the organization in the introduction of new technology has become relevant. This is highlighted by Industry I5.0 (I5.0) with a focus on sustainable, resilient and human-centered industry that effectively uses technology solutions. The sawmill industry is a contradictory industry in terms of technological development. Many process steps have a high degree of automation corresponding to Industry 3.0, but a low level of I4.0 technology. At the same time, the mindset is based on mass production, corresponding to Industry 2.0. The sawmill industry is thus in need of radical development in order to be globally competitive and maintain its position within Swedish basic industry.                          

The project purpose

The focus on operational reliability and dynamism in maintenance work leads to reduced disturbances, more stable processes (operational reliability), contributes to resource efficiency, reduces raw material utilization, lowers energy consumption and extends the life of mechanical equipment. READY aims to change the maintenance and operational safety work within the sawmill industry based on the potential found in I4.0 and 5.0. Maintenance and operational reliability are areas suitable for technology intensification, at the same time it is necessary to develop a culture of innovation and readiness for change. In this feasibility project, the foundation for the creation of dynamic maintenance is laid through a comprehensive analysis including vision and goals in an area with great potential to become more sustainable, robust, resource efficient and resilient.

                                                 
                                                An integrated view of maintenance

Classification according to Agenda 2030

Improving workplace safety and promoting a good working environment for all workers. (8.8) 
Promote a sustainable industry through more efficient use of resources (9.4). 
More sustainable and efficient management and use of the natural resource wood raw material. (12.2)