forestmachine

Forest Machine Connectivity

Improving efficiency in the timber harvesting supply chain by collecting and analyzing Industrial IoT data.

Project Overview

Updated August 21, 2024.

The Problem

In order to stay competitive in the global wood products manufacturing industry, Canfor and Mosaic recognize the need to digitally transform and modernize the timber harvesting supply chain. 

Both companies, in collaboration with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry, are leading the Forest Machine Connectivity project to deploy the first application to solve the industry’s technical barriers impacting efficiency. 

How We Are Solving It

The Forest Machine Connectivity project is using an Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) platform, which is a network of smart devices that can collect, monitor, exchange and analyze data as well as deliver valuable insights. The data and insights will allow contractors, machine operators and forest managers to identify bottlenecks and improve productivity in real time and develop best practices throughout the supply chain. 

The Result

The Forest Machine Connectivity project cements Canada’s leadership in the digital transformation of the forest industry. In close collaboration with project partners Mosaic, Canfor, and UBC, Lim Geomatics developed innovative tools to gather, consolidate, and analyze data from all stages of the timber harvest cycle and supply chain. This new technology delivers significant improvements in operational visibility and efficiency to industry users, and its growing implementation will offer valuable research opportunities to forestry program graduates for years to come.

Project Lead

  • MosaicForest

Project Partners

  • canfor
  • dts ubc logo e1632687012996
  • limgeomatics1 e1632691120202
  • “The Forest Machine Connectivity project represents significant progress for Canadian forestry. Using an Industrial Internet of Things platform, the technology and products developed through Mosaic Forest Management and co-partners investment provide tangible tools and real-time data benefits, enabling forest stewards to improve productivity in the timber harvesting process efficiently and safely.”
    Marko Gasic Vice President, Information Technology and Planning, Mosaic Forest Management Corp
  • David Trent Canfor headshot
    “This investment in technology is helping the contractors we work with grow, thrive and be more productive. It also helps us at Canfor better understand exactly the products being created in the field for our customers. This was done alongside our partners, including DIGITAL.”
    David Trent SVP Supply Chain & Digital, Canfor
  • “Through the successful completion of the Forest Machine Connectivity project, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. and Mosaic Forest Management Corp. became Lim Geomatics' first two lighthouse customers for the Op Tracker FMC solution developed and light the digital transformation path forward for the rest of the forest industry in Canada and abroad.”
    Dr. Kevin Lim President & CEO, Lim Geomatics Inc.
  • “The Forest Machine Connectivity project exemplifies the power of collaborative research. By uniting academia, IT, and the forest industry, we've not only revolutionized supply chain visibility but also positioned Canada as a leader in digitalization and big data management. This invaluable experience has not only benefited our graduate students and postdocs but will continue to shape their careers for years to come.”
    Dr. Dominik Roeser Associate Dean, Research Forests & Community Outreach, Associate Professor Forest Operations, The University of British Columbia