In order to provide the structure against which efficiency gains in European forest management will be evaluated, TECH4EFFECT focus during this period has been on the successful set up and sustained implementation of the Efficiency Portal. This has involved developing the architecture for securely hosting centralised data, as well as the installation of devices and the ongoing testing of data flows from these machines, to the server and back to the national focal points. In this period, WP5 in close dialogue with WP7, acquired and systematized some of the key performance indicators arising from WP2, WP3 and WP4. The first, aiming at increasing the availability of resources, the second facilitating improved harvesting and transport practices, and the third showing innovative ways of minimising and quantifying environmental damage that could be anticipated from increased pressure to improve overall technical performance.
At a more hands-on level, WP2 developed an overview of key silvicultural systems by ecoregion in Europe. Studies have been done on the mechanisation of coppice harvesting systems, while case studies have been set up in preparation of a longer term evaluation of efficiency improvements relating to site establishment and tending.
In WP3, a road classification and monitoring approach was agreed on for implementation amongst selected case study countries. A protocol for the monitoring of road bearing capacity has also been developed and implemented in the spring of 2018. A bucking app was developed to assist chainsaw operators in making the correct economic decision when cutting trees to logs, and at the same time, potentially offering a method for linking chainsaw operational data with the Efficiency Portal.
In WP4, initial testing of the benefits of a 10-wheeled forwarder against a conventional 8-wheel machine was done. Methods for the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based imagery were developed in alleviating the vast amount of fieldwork needed in assessing the condition of a site after harvesting.
WP5 conducted a mapping of forest operations systems in order to be able to prioritise and adapt the benchmarking system accordingly. A set of key performance indicators was developed and will be used in initiating the benchmarking algorithm. ‘Green box’ devices were installed in forest machines in most participating countries as well as in countries outside of the consortium, and data flow to the central database is being tested and continually improved.
WP6 has led the process of identifying and implementing national Efficiency Portals. Initial business plans have been developed in laying out potential modes of operation both within and beyond the project lifetime for all 6 countries initially planned to host an Efficiency Portal.
WP7 has constructed a set of primary value chains for all participating countries and continue to interact with WPs 2, 3 & 4 in ensuring that the contribution and impacts of each of the elements described in these chains is sufficiently modular to be easily incorporated into the overall analysis.
Finally, WP8 has developed a full communication and dissemination package including the project website (www.tech4effect.eu) YouTube channel and Twitter (@Tech4effect) presence. Moreover, a data management plan was developed in ensuring an appropriate, secure and structured use of data generated in the project.
