Ökat flöde genom timmersorteringen vid Ala sågverk
Ala sawmill in Ljusne, Hälsingland, has increased its flow through the sawing plant during the last couple of years. The problem now is the sorting plant, as this part of the mill is now slower than the rest. A close analysis of the sorting plant was therefore necessary to be able to increase the flow through. The aim of the project was to find solutions that can lessen downtime and increase flow. The goal was to increase the flow from 650 to 925 logs through the sorting plant per hour. To achieve this several sub-goals were defined: ? Flowchart of the timber yard ? Short stops ? causes and solutions ? Production stops ? causes and solutions ? Other changes that simplify/enhance handling of timber and work method To understand the flow in the sorting plant a thorough investigation was made of the flow and the parts influencing the flow. The different assignments of the workers were considered and reasons for stops along the line were investigated. Interviews with all concerned parties were performed to find underlying causes of found symptoms. The project has identified changes along the line, work methods, and handling of timber that will lead to fewer stops and increased efficiency in the use of the trucks and other resources. The timber sorting at Ala is a special case in that the line is managed by three different organisations: VirkesMätarFöreningen (timber measuring), Kalmar Industries (trucks and truckers), and Stora Enso (owners and upkeep). During the work it became apparent that an underlying cause for many problems was differences between these groups. The project has made suggestions that will lessen these problems and by so doing increase both work methods and flow through. Also a way to better share information and knowledge among the different groups and individuals has been found. The flow was improved but the goal of 925 logs sorted per hour was not reached.