Effects of Oversimplification Inherent in LP Models of Primary Wood Processing Operations

Problems inherent in using linear programing (LP) models for analysis of primary wood processing operations are discussed. The optimal processing strategy indicated by solution of the LP model may not achieve the predicted results in practice due to constraints present in the system that cannot be included in the LP model. These include limited storage space between machines, random order of log inputs, and random machine downtimes. A simulation model was developed to portray the variability in mill production and net returns under assumptions of random order of input and random machine downtime, once a strategy has been suggested by the LP model. Implications for collecting data and using the LP and simulation models are discussed.

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