TOC and TRIZ: using a dual-methodological approach to solve a forest harvesting problem

Abstract

Although cut-to-length forest harvesting with harvesters and forwarders is hardly used in some parts of the world, it has many advantages over conventional harvesting systems. Research has shown that the core reason for the low adoption of CTL in the southeastern USA is the complexity of the equipment to optimize value recovery. In this paper we delve deeper into this problem by investigating the technical and physical contradictions responsible for this situation. A dual-methodological approach was followed to analyze and solve the problem using the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). A solution is to apply one of the innovative principles of TRIZ: Mechanics substitution. We believe that this dual-methodological approach can be used to great effect to solve many more technical and non-technical forest operations or other problems.

Keywords

theory of constraints, TRIZ, forest harvesting, cut-to-length

Citation

Conradie, Ian. 2005. TOC and TRIZ: using a dual-methodological approach to solve a forest harvesting problem. In: TRIZ Journal 13 p.