In sawmills, optimization is an in-process procedure that maximizes output of the highest-value board size and quality from the limited and environmentally valuable input of randomly shaped logs. During the optimization process, 3-D profiles of each raw board are analyzed before positioning saws. This way, each board can be optimally edged to exact width and trimmed to length, which removes defective areas and improves quality and productivity at the end of the line. When optimization is properly implemented, yields can improve by 15 percent or more. In a larger sawmill with a two-shift system, cutting an average of 80,000 board feet per shift, results in 40 million board feet (MMBF) per year. This means that an additional 15-percent yield improvement results in 6 MMBF per year. At $225 per thousand board feet (MBF), an impressive return of $1.35 million per year is possible.

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