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Investigating the Use of Mathematical Models to Support Production Planning in Sawmills

Björkman, Petter LU and Hedelin, Jakob LU (2025) MIOM05 20251
Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Production Management
Abstract (Swedish)
This thesis explores and evaluates the potential of using mathematical models
to support production planning in sawmills. The study was conducted in
collaboration with Södra Skogsägarna ekonomisk förening, using one of their
sawmills as a case for model development and evaluation. The goal of the
thesis is to apply existing quantitative tools and theory from academic
literature to develop a practical model for sawmill production planning.

Using an operations research framework, the project follows an iterative
modeling approach using deterministic modeling. Initially, a specified
problem formulation was created before model development began. Initial
models were built in Excel and were later scaled up in Python to... (More)
This thesis explores and evaluates the potential of using mathematical models
to support production planning in sawmills. The study was conducted in
collaboration with Södra Skogsägarna ekonomisk förening, using one of their
sawmills as a case for model development and evaluation. The goal of the
thesis is to apply existing quantitative tools and theory from academic
literature to develop a practical model for sawmill production planning.

Using an operations research framework, the project follows an iterative
modeling approach using deterministic modeling. Initially, a specified
problem formulation was created before model development began. Initial
models were built in Excel and were later scaled up in Python to handle larger
datasets. The models were designed to optimize financial output from the raw
materials while meeting demand-driven targets and minimizing over
production through a penalty system. Two models were developed: a single
period model and a sequential multi-period model. The former focuses on
optimizing a fixed planning horizon, while the latter is able to optimize
several consecutive periods, creating a more detailed production plan.

The thesis findings show great potential in the use of deterministic models to
support current planning activities in sawmill by aligning product output with
predefined inventory targets. The models proved particularly useful for
exploring different processing strategies and evaluating trade-offs between
product mix, raw material use, and inventory constraints. While further
development and refinement is necessary before models can be implemented,
they offer valuable decision-support capabilities and lay the groundwork for
further development. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Björkman, Petter LU and Hedelin, Jakob LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIOM05 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
other publication id
25/5314
language
English
id
9197869
date added to LUP
2025-06-17 16:42:45
date last changed
2025-06-17 16:42:45
@misc{9197869,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores and evaluates the potential of using mathematical models 
to support production planning in sawmills. The study was conducted in 
collaboration with Södra Skogsägarna ekonomisk förening, using one of their 
sawmills as a case for model development and evaluation. The goal of the 
thesis is to apply existing quantitative tools and theory from academic 
literature to develop a practical model for sawmill production planning. 

Using an operations research framework, the project follows an iterative 
modeling approach using deterministic modeling. Initially, a specified 
problem formulation was created before model development began. Initial 
models were built in Excel and were later scaled up in Python to handle larger 
datasets. The models were designed to optimize financial output from the raw 
materials while meeting demand-driven targets and minimizing over
production through a penalty system. Two models were developed: a single
period model and a sequential multi-period model. The former focuses on 
optimizing a fixed planning horizon, while the latter is able to optimize 
several consecutive periods, creating a more detailed production plan. 

The thesis findings show great potential in the use of deterministic models to 
support current planning activities in sawmill by aligning product output with 
predefined inventory targets. The models proved particularly useful for 
exploring different processing strategies and evaluating trade-offs between 
product mix, raw material use, and inventory constraints. While further 
development and refinement is necessary before models can be implemented, 
they offer valuable decision-support capabilities and lay the groundwork for 
further development.}},
  author       = {{Björkman, Petter and Hedelin, Jakob}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Investigating the Use of Mathematical Models to Support Production Planning in Sawmills}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}