At Lisker, the successful implementation of a measurement or optimization system begins before installation: with assessment, planning, and scheduling.
Anssi Korhonen, who is responsible for projects, has been involved in numerous measurement and optimization system deliveries. According to him, project success depends above all on how well the line conditions, automation, customer objectives, and practical constraints are identified in advance.
Five factors for a successful delivery
Technology is an important part of delivering a measurement and optimization system, but it alone is not enough. Success is only evident in how well the system functions on the customer’s line and in daily production.
1. Identifying the right need
Anssi explains that a good project begins with a thorough assessment of the customer’s needs. Before designing a solution, we determine which part of the sawmill line is to be measured, controlled, or optimized and what production benefit is being pursued.
The assessment reviews the line structure, existing automation, measurement points, equipment location, and any requirements related to mechanical installation or data transfer.
The goal is to ensure that the selected solution meets the actual need and is compatible with the existing line.
2. Technical solution design
Once the need and line constraints have been identified, the technical solution is designed. At this stage, the system configuration, measurement points, software functionalities, automation interfaces, and user interface requirements are defined.
According to Anssi, the customer can also influence what information is displayed to the user. Customer-specific customizations can be made, for example, to system interfaces, reporting, and, when necessary, user interface views.
The content of the main display can also be refined to support the operator’s daily work.
3. Precise scheduling and project preparation
Delivery scheduling and preparation are coordinated with production shutdowns, installation, and automation or logic interfaces. In addition to the customer’s own personnel, other suppliers may be involved whose work phases affect the success of the implementation.
Anssi emphasizes that scheduling must be agreed upon well in advance: what is done before installation, what is done during the shutdown, and what is tested during commissioning.
At the same time, the customer’s preparatory work, other suppliers’ responsibilities, mechanical preparations, electrical and network connections, and the automation interface schedule are clarified. Good preparation reduces surprises and helps integrate the delivery into the customer’s daily production as smoothly as possible.
4. Careful installation, commissioning, and training
Although Lisker has experience from numerous similar deliveries, each sawmill line is treated individually. The line structure, equipment locations, automation, measurement points, and production conditions influence how installation and commissioning are planned.
According to Anssi, thorough groundwork also helps when unexpected issues arise during installation. When the line’s specific characteristics are known in advance, potential challenges can be resolved more quickly.
During the installation phase, the system is integrated into the customer’s sawmill line, connected to the necessary systems, and prepared for commissioning.
During commissioning, the system’s operation, measurement results, and control are verified under actual production conditions. At the same time, users are introduced to the system’s operation, user interface views, and the information operators need in their daily work.
5. Support after commissioning
After commissioning, the system’s operation can be supported through remote connections, scheduled maintenance, adjustments, and, when necessary, further development. The goal is for the system to function reliably as part of daily production even after installation.
Anssi encourages sawyers, in addition to management, to contact him directly. The more smoothly information flows from the line to Lisker, the more accurate the data obtained and the faster the matter can be resolved.
When Lisker knows the customer’s line and its specific characteristics, the system can be better supported in the future as well. Pre-scheduled maintenance and system monitoring help prevent major problems and reduce production interruptions.
Post-commissioning support may relate, for example, to system adjustment, software updates, utilization of production data, or assessment of new development needs.
A good project is evident in daily production
Thorough preparatory work helps ensure that a measurement or optimization system is integrated into production in a controlled manner and that the solution supports the customer’s sawmill line where it provides the most benefit.
Shall we discuss your sawmill line’s needs? Contact us, and we will review together what kind of measurement or optimization solution would best support your production.
