A decision support tool for forwarding operations with sequence-dependent loading

High productivity in forest harvesting requires efficient forwarding. Planning is complicated by multiple choices of routes and their order, the number types assortments, loading sequence, pile organization at landing. This paper develops tests a decision support tool for forwarder routing with sequential co-loading assortments. Input data are harvester production file (including Global Navigation Satellite Systems tracking), placement landing, machine specifications. The trail network generated from when devising to pick up all log piles, including specific assortments volumes. Multiple can be loaded along each route, certain sequence preferred (or) required. Sorting time during varies, depending on assortment combinations bunk pattern. Route planning modeled using set-partitioning problem, solution method metaheuristic based repeated matching. In addition sequences, solutions include piles total volume assortment. produces similar results those attained skilled operators five clearcuts (3–11 ha) northern Sweden, compared actual files.