During the past year, Creative Optimization has been working intensively on a new version of Woodflow and all its components. As a result, we can now present Woodflow 4, with several improvements and new capabilities. The basic functionality and principle for how users work with Excel files as input to Woodflow UX are the same, but the underlying functions and structure have been completely revised and rewritten. For current users of Woodflow UX, the updated interface will offer a new experience, but hopefully be familiar enough to find your way around. The map is the centerpiece of Woodflow 4, with improved functions for filtering and summarizing results.

One of the major innovations is Flowmap (requires an extension to the license) which, based on flows from asset node to recipient node, visualizes the flow along the road network. Flowmap summarizes the flow along all road segments and can visualize the flow with different dimensions depending on the quantity. By clicking on a link in the road network, the user can get information about how much quantity passes through the link.

Smartgrid, the model and database for distance calculation, has undergone a major upgrade to improve performance and to be used together with Flowmap. Smartgrid has also been prepared for inclusion of new attributes in the route selection calculation, such as energy consumption. With Smartgrid, we are now able to create joint road networks, for example between Norway and Sweden, enabling optimization of flows across national borders.

With Woodflow 4, we also introduce the option to add plug-ins. These can be described as small programs that instruct Woodflow to perform specific activities. The sky is the limit when it comes to what can be done using this functionality, one example being performing scenario analyses.

In addition to this news, we would also like to draw attention to the opportunities that come with the module “processes” (requires an extension to the license). Processes are used for conversion between assortments and can be used in a variety of contexts. To processes, we can link resources that in turn can be limited in capacity and availability. Examples include processes that convert timber into small logs and normal logs or logging residues into chips. Processes can also be used to decide which bucking to use where, based on the value of different products and the distance to industry.

Contact us for more information on Woodflow 4 and its new functionality.