FPInnovations’ Digital Transformation Offensive (DTO), a strategic initiative to demonstrate the potential of digital transformation with comprehensive field support service, represents an ambitious initiative to modernize and revolutionize the forest industry through the integration of digital technologies.

Our approach

This process happens by following three key steps:

1. Equipment optimization and data enhancement: FPInnovations focuses on maximizing the use of existing platforms by guaranteeing data quality and security from the outset. Experts ensure that teams use their equipment (e.g. harvester heads, trucks, sawlines) to its full potential.

2. Encode knowledge into algorithms: FPInnovations develops algorithms that contain process knowledge to make that knowledge easily accessible through modern digital tools.

3. Digital transformation: A suite of solutions based on available data that enables better prioritization of interventions and strategic decision-making based on accurate data analysis.

FPInnovations’ expertise lies in adapting existing equipment and systems, developing digital solutions based on world renowned expertise, and supporting industries in achieving their digital transformation objectives.

DigiHarvester: Support Services for Forestry Contractors

As part of DTO’s Harvesting component, steered by the Québec Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE), FPInnovations is actively working with forestry contractors to improve and optimize harvesting operations. Its aim is to accelerate digital transformation by developing and implementing algorithms to continuously monitor these operations. This is done to detect anomalies and identify root causes to optimize operations.

Building on existing work to digitize felling heads, the Harvesting component aims to improve accuracy (calibration and maintenance of felling heads), data standardization, and connectivity in the forest. It also aims to provide a service using the SIPAD (intelligent remote performance monitoring system) solution.

DigiTransport: Improving Operational Efficiency and Safety

The Transport component of DTO, which is due to launch shortly, aims to improve the efficiency and safety of wood transport operations by leveraging existing data from transport trucks and weigh scales with advanced analytics to provide useful information on critical issues in transport operations.

At present, this data (e.g., data on fuel consumption, truck driving and idling times, payload, etc.) is under-utilized. FPInnovations converts its expertise into algorithms to provide continuous, remote support for fleets. By combining data from transport trucks and weigh scales, algorithms will be created to facilitate problem detection.

In short, this part of DTO determines cycle times (supply flows), identifies opportunities to maximize productivity, as well as energy efficiency. In addition, the organization is working on carbon accounting and operating costs. By developing innovative tools and technologies, FPInnovations seeks to optimize transport routes, reduce time on the road, and minimize the environmental impact associated with wood transport.

Providing Connectivity in the Forest

FPInnovations supports harvesting contractors in the field through the installation of Starlink satellite antennas on service trucks. This technology enables high speed Internet access in the forest. Thanks to these antennas, workers always have access to technical support from anywhere in the world. It also makes it possible to collect more existing data. For example, harvesters generate a lot of data, but often without Internet access, this data cannot easily be exploited out of the machine. With Starlink, all that data is now quickly available through high-speed connectivity.

KMS 360 by Algorex: Revolutionizing the Kiln Drying process

Algorex and FPInnovations want to assist the industry in achieving optimal mill performance by providing access to the latest technological and process advancements. Together, they introduced KMS 360, an advanced kiln monitoring and optimization service designed to elevate the efficiency and quality of kiln drying operations.

This service offers continuous process monitoring (24/7). Automated analysis and anomaly detection helps ensure smooth operations with real-time monitoring and instant notifications of any irregularities. Weekly performance reports help mill staff to stay informed and ahead with detailed, regular insights into their kiln’s performance.

This service also offers experts help upon request. A specialized analytical toolbox gives workers access to advanced tools, tailored for in-depth analysis and optimization of kiln operations. In short, this service aims to improve product quality, improve kiln dryer productivity, provide quick and easy access to wood drying process experts, and support kiln operators.

Through technological innovation and close collaboration with industry partners, FPInnovations is determined to shape the future of the forest industry by integrating the benefits of digital technologies at every stage of the value chain.

To find out more about the various components of the Digital Transformation Offensive, visit https://web.fpinnovations.ca/digital_transformation/